Thread: Key Stuck in Ignition and No Power to Anything

Hey guys,

Quick back ground, the car is a 2000 GP with the 3.8L engine. It is my fathers car, I just work on it

He called me this morning telling me that the key is stuck in the ignition, and he is getting no power to anything in the car. He tried removing the negative battery cable a couple of times, and re-installing it with no success.

I did a quick search, and have seen some things on the internet regarding the key being stuck in the ignition, however, I haven't seen one where someone also experienced no power to anything. I am still leaning towards the ignition switch, but want to make sure that I am on the right path, and if there are any additional tests that can be performed.

To top it off, he went out to his car this afternoon, and it was chiming now that the car was in the ignition, he said it started right up and was able to drive with no issues, and now has the key out of the ignition. I just know this is going to come back to be a problem, and I'd prefer not to have to try and fix it at 3 in the morning after he drops off the limo after one of his driving shifts

Thanks guys, any help is much appreicated.

Start by removing BOTH the battery cables and cleaning the terminals on the battery and the cable ends themselves. Then make sure they go back on nice and tight. These cars are sensitive to dirty/corroded cables and can cause all kind of strange things like this.

Also check the grounds at the transmission bolt. It's on the right side (if you are facing the motor from the front end) near the starter. Should have 3 wires bolted to the stud on the transmission. Might try giving those a clean/check as well.

Thanks for the tip. I will check out the ground on the trans. I will also get the terminals cleaned well to ensure there is a good contact.

Some more info. My father said the battery cables looks good and are clean. And he said now he is getting issues with the radio as if it is re-setting. He has also had the key get stuck a couple of other times in the ignition, and has said it is getting harder to start at times. It is cranking well, but seems as though it is sputtering.

I still haven't had a chance to make it over there to look for the grounds, but it sounds like that may be it.

Thanks again guys.

matt