key stuck in "on" position
2 things that can cause that that I've dealt with; One is a loose lock plate, as mentioned above, can cause the lockout shaft not to back out into a notch on the lock plate (there are 12 notches that is can back into when the lock cylinder is rotated fully back). The other is the shifter not getting 'far enough' forward into park. Easiest step before you remove the steering wheel is to pull the shifter trim from the console and see if you're getting it all the way forward. You might be able to see if something is getting in the way, making it think the trans is still in Reverse...
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Teching In
Joined: Sep 2009
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2 things that can cause that that I've dealt with; One is a loose lock plate, as mentioned above, can cause the lockout shaft not to back out into a notch on the lock plate (there are 12 notches that is can back into when the lock cylinder is rotated fully back). The other is the shifter not getting 'far enough' forward into park. Easiest step before you remove the steering wheel is to pull the shifter trim from the console and see if you're getting it all the way forward. You might be able to see if something is getting in the way, making it think the trans is still in Reverse...
Also u will have to disconnect the vats connection to the lock under the dash and feed it up thru the colloumn and feed the new one thru... Don't take it apart until you have the tools and parts ... It's deep and you'll only Wana be in there once...
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Verdad Gallardo Here's a couple pics from another GM car (my old Buick). The first shows the column stripped down- you hopefully won't need to go this far in & take the bowl off if you have to go in at all. The lock pin is at the 11 o'clock position. The plastic piece at the 10 o'clock position rotates counter-clockwise when you twist the key to start and it withdraws the lock pin from the lock plate. Lock plate is the 12-notch piece in the 2nd pic.
Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2007
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Not sure if this will help, but its worth a shot. My grand prix will do the same thing periodically. I can't remember exactly what causes it, but I think it has something to do with the car not realizing its in park. The car still thinks its in gear and thus won't let you take the key out.
For my grand prix, all I have to do to get the key out is to tilt the steering wheel all the way up, reach up under the wheel near the column, and then push in this silver barrel type thing. I think its some sort of solenoid or something, it doesn't take much pressure to push it at all. Just a little tap.
For my grand prix, all I have to do to get the key out is to tilt the steering wheel all the way up, reach up under the wheel near the column, and then push in this silver barrel type thing. I think its some sort of solenoid or something, it doesn't take much pressure to push it at all. Just a little tap.
Thread Starter
Teching In
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i tried shooting some kroil in the cylinder to free it up but had no luck. i tried adjusting the shifter cable (shown on shoebox page.) i tore the column down as its not a huge task. vats has been bypassed by a previous owner so i am not worried about it. i bought a new tumbler at the zone ($35) and replaced it. no special tools necessary unless you count torx. oh, and i forgot the steering wheel puller (any mechanic should have one!) i ran out of light but all i have to do get the snap ring back on and im in the clear. brights went back on good and so did the flasher (i have had trouble in the past with both of these.)
10 Second Club
Joined: Oct 2007
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There might be a small hole in the column that you can insert a nail or something similar to release the locking mechanism. I used to have to do this periodically with my Grand Prix when the key would stick. I took apart a ball point pen and just slid it up and it would push the release mechanism. I'm not sure if our LT1 cars have this, I don't feel like going out to look, lol.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2009
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There might be a small hole in the column that you can insert a nail or something similar to release the locking mechanism. I used to have to do this periodically with my Grand Prix when the key would stick. I took apart a ball point pen and just slid it up and it would push the release mechanism. I'm not sure if our LT1 cars have this, I don't feel like going out to look, lol.
