Question1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE...I believe it is a 2.4 litre. I just bought the car for my daughter. Sometimes when I turn the car off, the key does not want to come out of the ignition. I've tried everything...turning the wheel, pushing in as I turn the key, etc... What's funny is that I can walk away from the car with the key still stuck in the ignition and come back 5 minutes later, reach through the window, and the key comes right out. I have done this procedure a dozen times...wait a couple of minutes and then the key comes right out with out touching anything else in the car. Also, I have waited a couple of minutes, gotten into the car and the key comes right out. I think they told me when I bought the car that there is a resistor in the key for theft proof...I'm wondering if over the years, the key have been duplicated and maybe the keys I have do not have the resistor in them. I'm perplex...pls advise. Thank you very much!!
AnswerHi
This car uses PASSLOCK™ so there is no "chip" (resistor pellet) in key. Yours uses a halls effect switch that "learns" a voltage signal value or code that is stored in the BCM (Body Control Module) and shares a sucessful key rotation signal to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) that allows engine start and run.
I would REALLY suspect the BTSI/shift lock solonoid, which is an internal part of the shifter assembly. The key will not release if it does not make good contact when placed in PARK. When contact is made, voltage passes to another solonoid located on the steerring column (Ignition Lock Solonoid) which in turn releases the key.
I have seen VERY similar problems caused by either faulty shifters, debris( spilled liquids etc) in the shifter assy so poor contact is being made, and the wire connection at the shifter making poor and intermintant contact.
It would probabally be worth taking the console out and looking at the shifter and related wires.
I really hope this helps.
Good luck
Pawl
