2003 Pontiac Grand Am Locking steering wheel

Tiny
CHAPPY56
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
The steering wheel will not lock. The ignition switch will not turn. Where is the locking mechanism in the steering column?
Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 10:50 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

To better assist you is your model the SE or GT and please tell me your engine size in liter.

Last... Please put your foot on the brake and cycle the gear shift all the way to low and back int park and then try to gently turn the steering wheel from side to side and see if it then locks and the key turns.
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Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
CHAPPY56
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Its a SE and the engine is a 3400 v6. Shifting it does not work as the shifter is locked. Where is the locking mechanism in the wheel?
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-2
Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello

Thanks for the info

Is the shifter stuck in park or another gear?

So if I understand you correctly. . ...you can insert the key but cannot turn it and it is in the off position. . ...the steering wheel turns freely from side to side and the gear shift is stuck in Park and will not move?

I was wanting to verify the shifter was in Park

I am attaching the info on ignition switch lock cylinder replacement. In it talks about if you cannot rotate the key. . .. . .. . .I put those directions at the end.

It appears the locking mechanism is on the ignition switch lock cylinder.

Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement (Pontiac)
Removal Procedure

Note: In the Event it is necessary to replace the Lock cylinder housing, You will need to remove the pass lock sensor connector and the shift lock control.
To remove the pass lock connector or the shift lock control from the Lock Cylinder housing, you will first need to remove the Ignition lock cylinder.
If you try to remove the connector before removing the lock cylinder you will damage the pass lock connector.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture1_49.jpg



Important: Perform the BCM theft deterrent relearn procedure whenever you replace the ignition switch lock cylinder.
Disconnect negative battery cable. Refer to BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE DISCONNECT/CONNECT PROCEDURE
1. Remove instrument panel (IP) accessory trim plate.
2. Insert the key and turn the ignition switch lock cylinder to the ON position.
3. If the cylinder does not rotate or is seized, follow the procedure in the ignition switch replacement. Refer to IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT (PONTIAC) or IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT (OLDSMOBILE)
4. Using a small curved tool, depress and hold the retaining tab on the ignition switch lock cylinder.
5. Using the key as an aid, pull to remove the lock cylinder from the switch.
6. Remove the key from the lock cylinder.
Installation Procedure
1. Code the ignition switch lock cylinder, if necessary.
2. Insert the key and turn the lock cylinder to the ON position.
3. Align the lock cylinder to the ignition switch, then press the cylinder into place.
4. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key.
5. Install the IP accessory trim plate. Refer to
6. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE DISCONNECT/CONNECT PROCEDURE
7. If a new lock cylinder was installed, perform the BCM theft deterrent relearn procedure. Refer to BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) PROGRAMMING/RPO CONFIGURATION

If you cannot rotate the key. . ...

1. If the lock cylinder does not rotate or is seized, perform the following procedure:
1. 7.1. Protect the immediate work area with suitable material such as clean shop towels or a clean fender cover.
2. 7.2. Locate the surface for the ignition switch lock cylinder release button (2) on the plastic ignition switch housing and center punch a location (1) on the rib 9.5 mm (3/8 in) rearward, toward the key entry end, from the cylinder release button.
3. 7.3. Carefully drill a pilot hole through the plastic housing with an 1/8-inch drill bit.
4. 7.4. Carefully drill a larger hole at the pilot location, and slightly into the ignition switch lock cylinder surface to break the release button retaining spring using a 9/32-inch drill bit.
5. 7.5. Remove portions of the broken spring from the hole using a small suitable tool.
6. 7.6. Grasp the ignition switch lock cylinder and remove the cylinder from the switch housing.
7. 7.7. Remove any plastic flashing from the drilling operation, and using compressed air blow out the ignition switch assembly.
8. 7.8. Follow the service manual procedures when cylinder coding is required.
Fig. 62: Locating Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Release Button


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_62_1.jpg



2. Press the transaxle park/lock cable retainer to release, then pull to remove the park/lock cable from the ignition switch.
3. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder from the ignition switch, by pressing the retaining tab and pulling the cylinder out with the key.
Fig. 63: Removing Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder From Ignition Switch


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_63_1.jpg



Important: Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder before you remove the Passlock electrical connector.
4. Disconnect the pass lock electrical connector from the ignition switch.
Fig. 64: Disconnecting Pass Lock Electrical Connector From Ignition switch


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_64_1.jpg



5. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition switch.
6. Remove the ignition switch through the I/P cluster opening.
Fig. 65: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors From Ignition Switch
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_65_1.jpg

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Sunday, August 30th, 2009 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
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Hello -

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture2_44.jpg

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Sunday, August 30th, 2009 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
CHAPPY56
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hey I was donating for a quick response as I needed it fixed asap so I ended up having to bring the car to a mechanic. The issue was a bad battery for future reference, though I also have a new ignition now that wasn't needed. Could you refund the donation since I ended up having to go elsewhere?
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 9:45 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

Glad you got if fixed......... Not up to me.......I will relay to the boss
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 4:52 PM

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