Key stuck in the ignition

[Gearhead Garland]

Hey guys,

I've got an '03 GT, and for some reason lately my key has been getting stuck in the ignition. I've tried the wiggly jiggly with the steering wheel and key, but it won't budge.

I haven't tried brute force because I don't want to damage the ignition column.

The car is all the way in park and everything. I have no idea why it won't come out.

I've been having to leave the key in the car and hope nobody notices. So far so good but I don't want my luck to run out

Any suggestions?

[BillBoost37]

Under the column right at the key, there's a little cover over the key release access hole. Pop the cover off, and use something skinny that can be pushed up in there. When it's pushed, the key is released.

[GTPontiacMan]

Hey guys,

I've got an '03 GT, and for some reason lately my key has been getting stuck in the ignition. I've tried the wiggly jiggly with the steering wheel and key, but it won't budge.

I haven't tried brute force because I don't want to damage the ignition column.

The car is all the way in park and everything. I have no idea why it won't come out.

I've been having to leave the key in the car and hope nobody notices. So far so good but I don't want my luck to run out

Any suggestions?

Do what Billboost wrote. I'd suggest whatever you find to release the key, keep it in case it happens again and believe me it will. I keep a small screwdriver in my car.

[Gearhead Garland]

Thanks guys, that worked like a charm

[john breit]

I have a 2000 GP and frequently I cant turn the key completly to the lock position so I can remove the key. I have played with the stick (auto) and a few other odd things and then it will turn completly and I can take the key out. ANY IDEAS

[02 35thLE]

Most of the time it's the switch on the shifter not feeding power to the solenoid in the column. The only way to get the switch is buy a shifter which isn't cheap. The last 2 GP's I had I just removed the solenoid from the column and problem fixed.

[john breit]

Thanks for the direction. I will study up and try to find the solenoid to disconnect it.

[GTPguy2000]

i have a 00 gtp and had the same problem . it was a wire in the center consol right under the shifter the wires are notorious for breaking there at the plug wich will make it so you cant get the key to go all the way back , it can also make it so you cant shift from park without useing the shift release button depending on what wire broke. i fixxed it myself but im a tech , i wouldnt suggest trying it unless you know whats up cause you could possibly make it so the car wont move at all

[Kejross]

I tore mine out! It was actually taking power and draining the battery on mine... Thing was red hot when I pulled it out... Its a little white solenoid bout the size of a D batt if I recall...

[brandonl2000]

i thought it was just the solenoid that went bad in the steering column.

needless to say, it happened to my GT and my aunt's GT, and i fixed it with a simple zip tie. and viola, no more key stuck; it returns my key with a smile. lol

[iseektruth]

I know this is old, but I used to have this problem. I have a solution that works every time for me. Just push on the button on the shifter a couple times and make sure it is all the way out, even pull on it if you have to. The problem seems to be that it doesn't lock into part all the way until that button, which often sticks, is out all the way. Once it's in park and the button is out all the way, just turn the key forward slightly and then back to the lock position and it should come right out.