1999 Buick Regal Ignition key won't onlock column

BNABELL

MEMBER
1999 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
104,002 MILES

Problem is ignition key will not go to lock position with trans in park and moving steering wheel back and forth does nothing. Cannot remove key from ignition because steering won't lock and key will not go to remove position

Monday, November 17th, 2008 AT 5:57 PM

1 Reply

SAINTMICA

MEMBER
1 POST

We have had this same problem with our Regal. There are a couple of different reasons this can happen.

The most common reason is that the button on the transmission shifter (on the floor console) is dirty. Under the button, inside the console is a relay switch that gets dirty (usually spilled drinks and other junk) and this contact gets gummed up. When you shift into park, this contact point fails and does not tell the ignition cylinder to let go of your key. You'll need to disassemble the console and give it a good cleaning (electric contact cleaner).

Also, it is a possible failure with the ignition cylinder, and this will need replaced.

Lastly, the mechanism inside the ignition cylinder could be dirty and failing to let go of the key.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and if all else fails, on the under side of the steering wheel is a small rectangular cutout. If you remove this cutout and stick a pencil, screwdriver etc in the hole, you will hit the manual release and the key will be able to be removed.