2005 Dash Mount Key Stuck in ACC

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

Hey everyone... I'm new to this forum and after searching for hours (2 days actually) haven't found much on this exact issue.
2005 dash mounted ignition switch. Key is stuck in acc mode. Engine will start and run... shifter isn't stuck in park. Have dash torn apart. Can't get radio out because the trim won't flex enough and can't remove it because with the key stuck, I can't remove the off -acc-run- start bezel. Center console removed. Lock cable looks good. Have removed the shift lock cable from the back of the ignition switch thinking that there is something in there I can push with a small screw driver. Looking inside with a mirror, I can't see what the cable pushes on...
By the way, I've talked to two stealerships and they can't even agree between parts and service if this one has a solenoid or just a cable... Have been keeping a charger on the battery so it doesn't go completely nuts.

Any help would be greatly appreciated from a newbie!

**Explicit_Spade** · 10-23-2016

There should be a BTSI solenoid next to the shifter. A lot of times drinks can spill from the center console onto it, and it won't think the vehicle is in park. You may be able to locate and clean that solenoid and be good to go from there.

This pic is from a 97-03, but should be relevant.

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

This car only has the solenoid that releases the shifter from park when the brake pedal is pressed. That's working fine. It looks like the ignition switch assembly on the dash mounted style is only locked mechanically by the cable from the shifter

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

Would anybody out there happen to have a wiring schematic for the ignition switch?

**cheatah faheatah** · 10-23-2016

Maybe this will help, it's from a Haynes manual ??.........

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

Thanks for this but it doesn't show the BTSI solenoid (which is working okay anyway)
I'm about ready to cut the key off with a Dremel and take the ignition switch out, tear it apart an see what's holding the lock cylinder from turning to the off position...

**cheatah faheatah** · 10-23-2016

Right, "later" is pretty vague...

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

Yep... it seems to me that from 2005 on GM changed the lock cylinder system from a solenoid to a strictly mechanical cable release system when the went to a dash mounted switch

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

This is as close as I can find on this issue but, the cable being sticky is not the problem with this car. The cable moves freely on the shifter side and I confirmed this by pulling it out of the ignition lock assemebly. I move the cable on the shifter and it moves freely at the other end. I just can't tell what the plastic flag on the end of the cable is supposed to do (looking at it from behind with an inspection mirror)
http://sparkys-answers.com/2009/03/2...-key-will.html

**Wasatch** · 10-23-2016

Update... got the radio out to gain access to the side of the ignition switch... Figures there is a plastic enclosure that is blocking me from seeing much that I couldn't see before. Time for a whiskey on the rocks and try to find that $#@&ing release slot that's suppose to allow the lock cylinder to slide out of the ignition switch with the key in to ON position...