Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} My key is getting stuck in the ignition (at the "ACC" position) about every 2nd or 3rd time I park & turn the car off. It happens with both the original key and a newly made one. There's a clicking sound (a cross between a "click" and a "pop" and a "thump") when it releases. When it sticks, sometimes it helps to jiggle the gear shift (a lot) or the wires in the steering column. Sometimes I can keep it from happening if I kind of "slam" it into Park while twisting the steering wheel till I hear that click (just one, though; if it clicks twice, it's still stuck). The Saturn dealership replaced the ignition cylinder, but it didn't help. I also tried graphite in the ignition. The only thing that has helped at all is when my mechanic lubricated the spring that handles the "release" (which I guess is the sound I'm hearing); it makes the "slam into park while turning the wheel" method work more quickly and more often. I've researched online, and while variations on this problem seem common, I haven't found a permanent solution. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Its not the ignition.....it's the BTSI control. Its an automatic transmission shift lock control. If you paying yourself, it costs 154.00. At least mine did.
You may have the same problem the Chevy Cobalt had with it's shifter.
There is a pin the shifter that activates a micro switch and the pin will miss-align that the key's will not release. Ask the dealer if there is a micro switch like the cobalt in the shifter that may have gone bad. All you need to do is take the center console apart where the shifter is and line up the pin again.
Good luck and keep me posted.
This is more of a work around then a solution. There is a little panel on th bottom of the steering column on my daughters Ion 2005, I think. I took that off, stick your finger straight up. You will feel a button, that is the manual override and will release the key. It presses toward the door. I took her steering column apart to find it.
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ourhowse - Thanks for your questions... Tried graphite in the ignition (put it on the key & worked it in and out), which didn't help, and my mechanic lubed the spring (inside the steering assembly I think), which helped some. Wiggling the steering wheel while turning the key is something I tried, but as I recall it didn't work with any kind of consistency.
Molson0236 - Thanks for that suggestion; I'll check it out! I haven't heard that idea before so maybe you're on to something.
Have you tryed spraying some wd-40 in there or anything? Does it make any difference if you wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key?
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