Pontiac Repair: ignition/hub assemblies, hub assemblies, pontiac service

Question
i hate my 2001 grand prix (v6, i think).  it has about 86,000 miles.  i have never had this problem before, but today my keys would not come out of the ignition no matter what i did.  i called my local pontiac service place, and he told me how to put a pen underneath to release the keys.  it worked, but he said it will cost $500 to fix.  do you know what is going on?  i also have replaced 3 hub assemblies in the last 2 years.  what's up with that?  i don't hit curbs everyday.  i really really hate this car.

Answer
Hi Kelly:
Your key problem could be a few things. The most common thing I have seen on this car is a broken wire in the connctor on the floor shifter assembly. If not a wire issue then the switch in the floor shifter assembly if bad. The last thing I have seen with this is a bad ignition switch it's self but if that were the case you would have other issues that you haven't mentioned to me like flickering lights on the insterment panel would go along with the switch. My money is on the wire broken off at the switch... If that's it you could get away with maybe $125.00 bill. as for the bulbs this car has halogen buls for the fog and head lamps if you replace them your self NEVER touch the bulb with your bare fingers the oil makes thebulbs run hot and go bad really quick. Also I have seen on these car water in the haedlamp capsules that makes the bulbs go bad if you have water in any of them replace the complete capsule. Good luck and happy holidays :) I'm sorry I mis read your e-mail you said HUBs not bulbs... It's been a long day...Sorry. That is a bit strange but if your using after market parts that woouldn't surprise me at all as to why they would go bad.