Steering Column Repair: Key stuck in ignition, 2000 chevy blazer, steering column repair

Question
Hello Douglas,

I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer  135.000 miles live in Michigan.
Sometimes the Key will not release from the Ignition this
just started to happen last week. Some days no problem.
This is my wife's car so she disconnected the battery cable
when it happened when she got to work. Mon 8-22-11 drove car
key removed  when stopped & did couple errands. Is there an actuator switch that keeps voltage on to stop you from removing the key.

Can this be fixed easily or can it be disconnected.

Thank you
Raymond Porter

Answer
Hi Ray:

This is a fairly common problem.  The correct repair is to replace the shifter mechanism (for @$325) as it houses a switch that sends a signal to the release solenoid in the column.  However, you do have the option of eliminating that safety feature.  The only thing you lose is the protection of someone removing the key while the vehicle is in ANY gear, as opposed to being able to remove it only in Park.
My company has recently uploaded pages and a description of how to bypass and remove the key release mechanism on GM vehicles (for a small fee).  They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions. Here is a link to that page.  This covers many of the GM vehicles from 1997 to 2006 and most likely will address the issue you are experiencing.

http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/steering-column-repair-how-to-instructions

Good luck
Doug

http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com