QuestionDear Douglas:
I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L 6cyl.
Frequently, but not all of the time when I turn the car off, the key will not return to the original position that allows me to take the key out.
It will rotate enough to turn the car off, but not all the way to the original off position.
Recently the key will now sometimes come out in the location where it gets stuck, but when you open the door, a warning beep sound goes off. I assume this is not a good idea to leave your car in this manner, but is the only I can leave the car sometimes.
Can you please resolve this issue so that the key will return to the original off position every time I shut the car off?
I appreciate you help ahead of time and I look forward to finally having this issue resolved.
Thank You Very Much,
Vic
Answer
GM interlock solenoid
Hi Vic:
The cause of your problem is a bad shifter on the floor. There is a switch in there that tells the column to release the key. That job runs about $300 and you can replace the assembly with a used on if you trust the salvage yard.
On the other hand, there is a safety release access hole on the bottom of the column made just for that purpose. On the lower steering column cover there is a 1" round cover that will snap our of place and give yo access to the solenoid that locks the key. Once the cover is removed, simply push a probe or small screwdriver inside the hole and trip the release. I have enclosed a picture of the solenoid so you will see what you are looking for. You are going to push the silver plunger on the bottom...up. When you do that, you will be able to rotate the key back and lock the wheel as before, but you will need to trip it every time you turn the car off.
Lastly, you can remove that plunger / solenoid altogether and be done with it. the only down side is that you will be able to remover the key while the vehicle is in any selector position...which could be dangerous if done during driving (the steering wheel would lock)
I hope all this helps
Doug
