[RedDevil]

So I got home and put my car in neutral, applied the parking break and went to pull the key from the ignition and it wont release at all. It will turn forward only. Since the key was stuck and car was still running, the only way to turn it off was to pull the ignition fuse(15amp) from the fuse box out. That worked but my key is still stuck! I'm now trying to disconnect the battery to see if it will reset the ignition locking mechanism. Anyone know how to fix this? Is this the ignition assembly that needs to be replaced or the ignition tumbler? Don't know why it would do this. Car is a 5 speed GXP standard with only 31k miles on it.

I did a search and some one said there is a release button under the steering column? Will this release a stuck key?

 

[IBDRINKEN]

I believe it's the tumbler as I had the same problem on my yellow solstice and it ended up being the tumbler

 

[RedDevil]

I believe it's the tumbler as I had the same problem on my yellow solstice and it ended up being the tumbler

How much did it cost to replace? I think that's it too. I tried the battery disconnect but it did not work. I found the hidden latch under the steering wheel column and removed the small cover but I can't seem to find any "magical" release button. I can stick my finger inside and feel around but no button that I can feel. Is there a trick to getting this to work? Can't find it inside the column.

 

[RedDevil]

Read the owner's manual, the finger release is only good if your battery dies, if it is the tumbler, nothing using my finger inside the release column will work. Off to the dealership I go. Had to disconnect the battery so it will not drain it overnight.

 

[IBDRINKEN]

I can't remember as it was so long along, or just replace the whole ignition lock cylinder

 

[TomatoSoup]

Happened plenty of times before... See:https://www.google.com/search?q=sol...mobile&sourceid=chrome-mobile&espv=1&ie=UTF-8

 

[Mehran333]

Happened plenty of times before... See:https://www.google.com/search?q=sol...mobile&sourceid=chrome-mobile&espv=1&ie=UTF-8

T.S. the thread you posted, as well as this one, is remotely speaking of manual transmission Solys. Is this problem more common with manuals than auto's? Or is it based on a year (part manufactured) problem, but I read a 2008 had this problem so..hmm?

Just a thought ~ Because in http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f12/ignition-stuck-63765/#post966581 it mentions that:

"Condition
Some customers may comment that the ignition key is difficult to remove or that the key sticks or binds in the ignition cylinder.

Correction
A new ignition lock cylinder has been released to correct this concern. Replace the ignition lock cylinder following the Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement procedure in SI. For ignition lock cylinder assembly and coding, use the instructions provided with the new cylinder."

So has this problem been fixed, or the newer Lock Cylinders no longer have this problem?

Sorry if I'm barking up the wrong tree with my questions T.S.

 

[RedDevil]

Is there a T.S.B. out for this Lock Cylinder Replacement? If so is there a TSB number I can give them? I looked at all the other post and they all seem to say it's the tumbler inside that is replaced to fix the problem is that the same part as the Cylinder Lock assembly?

I've had many cars over the years and I have to say this is the dumbest thing that has ever happened to me as far as weird parts braking on a car. Key stuck in ignition and engine wont turn off, sounds like a practical joke you would play on someone or a funny scene from a tv show. Still can't believe this is a common problem. This may be the last GM car I ever own. It's just stupid to even believe this would happen at all. Not to mention how dangerous it is.

 

[TomatoSoup]

There's a TSB (#09-02-35-005B) for Auto trans cars... http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f11/gear-stick-key-ignition-help-o-70698/#post1066242

 

[TX08manualGXP]

wow, this again. seems to be going on a lot. what was the best way to prevent? apply a little graphite and limit the weight put on the cylinder or what?

 

[rob the elder]

Limit the weight hanging off the key appears to be the only known contributor to keeping it working.

 

[RedDevil]

Limit the weight hanging off the key appears to be the only known contributor to keeping it working.

Yeah well I have "no excessive weight" on my key chain! I have exactly the weight of only 3 keys (one is small mail box key) on it and the key fob/remote. So for me it was never about to much weight on it.

They replaced the tumbler as I expected and it cost me $283.31. Works fine now. I feel this is a defective part and should not have been asked to pay anything. Car only has 31K miles on it. It's an 08' so the warranty is out. I did nothing wrong to cause this.:brentil:

 

[SolNut]

Perhaps the PO had a big key attachment :banghead: that helped the part fail??? :brentil:

 

[RedDevil]

Perhaps the PO had a big key attachment :banghead: that helped the part fail??? :brentil:

Maybe, but I doubt it. Only had 20K on it when I bought it.

 

[flaxenfilly23]

My car had less than 20k on it when my key got stuck in the on position. Luckily for me my car was still under warranty so I just drove it straight to the dealer and left it with them. This along with the water pump and air bag sensor should hands down be recalled. Total bull**** they are failing on so many cars with less than 50k miles

 

[RedDevil]

My car had less than 20k on it when my key got stuck in the on position. Luckily for me my car was still under warranty so I just drove it straight to the dealer and left it with them. This along with the water pump and air bag sensor should hands down be recalled. Total bull**** they are failing on so many cars with less than 50k miles

Yes, let's not forget the door handles too! My diff at 30K! That was cover under powertrain warranty.

 

[GMCustomerSvc]

RedDevil,
We're glad that the dealership was able to get this resolved for you. I can appreciate that this being at your cost was not ideal; please keep us updated if anything should come up on this! You do have a replacement parts warranty on this item now for the parts and workmanship. If you have any questions, we're happy to help.

Sarah (Assisting Erica)
GM Customer Care

 

[Forytwo]

Add me to the Key Stuck in Ignition scenario. Just paid $550.00 to have this fixed on a car with 30,000 miles on it. I own GXP No. 224. I tried to get the GMCustomerService involved, but they deferred. I would be curious as to how often this has been happening.

 

[blackbirdracing]

Yeah well I have "no excessive weight" on my key chain! I have exactly the weight of only 3 keys (one is small mail box key) on it and the key fob/remote. So for me it was never about to much weight on it.

They replaced the tumbler as I expected and it cost me $283.31. Works fine now. I feel this is a defective part and should not have been asked to pay anything. Car only has 31K miles on it. It's an 08' so the warranty is out. I did nothing wrong to cause this.:brentil:

Add me to the Key Stuck in Ignition scenario. Just paid $550.00 to have this fixed on a car with 30,000 miles on it. I own GXP No. 224. I tried to get the GMCustomerService involved, but they deferred. I would be curious as to how often this has been happening.

Thats a big difference in price!

 

[beancounter]

...Since the key was stuck and car was still running, the only way to turn it off was to pull the ignition fuse(15amp) from the fuse box out. That worked but my key is still stuck!...

This is the kind of stuff that happens to me.

Where is the fuse box with the ignition fuse?

I guess another question I need to ask is whether a 15 amp ignition fuse failure is the yet another thing I need to worry about suddenly leaving me sitting on the side of the road?