Key stuck in Ignition lock cylinder

Tiny
INTOSILENCE1
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK REGAL
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
Car will start and turn off fine. But I'm not able to rotate the key all the way to the "off" position so I can pull out the key. It stops at about halfway, and won't turn back anymore. When I stick a small screwdriver in a hole underneath the lock cylinder, it then allows me to rotate the key all the way and pull it out. What is the cause and fix? Thanks.
Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 1:06 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like the shifter isn't fully going into park. Can you tell me if you have a column or floor shifter?

Also, move the shifter back and forth a couple times to the park position to see if it changes things.

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
INTOSILENCE1
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
It's a floor shifter. Someone suggested that it might be either the neutral/park switch or the wire that goes from the shift lever to the switch. Could that be the problem?
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2020 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I think what they are referring to is the neutral safety switch. That is what prevents the engine from starting unless the transmission is in park or neutral.

I need you to check if the shift lock is preventing the actual shifter from fully returning to park. I am going to provide the directions for replacing the switch. I am not suggesting it be replaced, but this is all I have to help guide you to it. Once you get the console apart, see if there is anything binding.

________________________________________________

2001 Buick Regal V6-3.8L VIN K
Floor Shift
Vehicle Power-train Management Transmission Control Systems Actuators and Solenoids - Transmission and Drive-train Actuators and Solenoids - A/T Shift Interlock Solenoid Service and Repair Procedures Floor Shift
FLOOR SHIFT
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Actuator Replacement (Floor Shift)

Removal Procedure

pic 1

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the center console.
3. Disconnect electrical connector from the shift lock control for the automatic transmission (AT).

Pic 2

4. Remove both ends of the AT shift lock control from pivot points (1).

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 AT 12:02 AM
Tiny
INTOSILENCE1
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
I looked under the shifter assembly and it looks good. Nothing looks like it's binding. Here are a couple of videos:
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2020 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
In the vehicle fuse panel, check the two fuses I highlighted below. Also, take a quick look at all fuses to see if anything is bad.

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2020 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
INTOSILENCE1
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
All the fuses were good. What I ended up doing, I just put zip ties on the little gold cylinder that you push up on from underneath the column. Now that it's always pressed in, I can turn the lock cylinder back and remove the key.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 2:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

That's an interesting repair, but if it works and you are comfortable with it, great! LOL

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Thursday, August 20th, 2020 AT 10:08 PM

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