2001 L200

[Newsguy]

Hello again;
The ignition key 'sticks' when you try to take it out of the ignition. It
feels like something clamps the key in tight. Eventually you can remove it.
But, it is getting to the point where the key has to be left in the ignition
when you get out of the car. The key or ignition operates fine when the key
is in, however getting the key in or out is the problem.

Anyone have this problem?

Thanks

Jim

 

[John]

I had the same problem with my 99 sl2 it was caused by the shift interlock.
You cant take the key out till its in park the device is jammed so you need
to get it replaced or taken out

 

[Newsguy]

Thanks John;
But as of this morning, the wheel is in the lock position. I can get the
key in and out but cannot turn it at all to start the car. I followed the
instructions in the manual to turn the wheel but I still cannot turn the
key. I'm afraid I will break the key. Please anyone, How do you release
the locking device? take a fuse out? disconnect the battery?
anything........



(Not another tow) Jim

 

[Philip Nasadowski]

Thanks John;
But as of this morning, the wheel is in the lock position. I can get the
key in and out but cannot turn it at all to start the car. I followed the
instructions in the manual to turn the wheel but I still cannot turn the
key. I'm afraid I will break the key. Please anyone, How do you release
the locking device? take a fuse out? disconnect the battery?
anything........

Oh yes, GM's infuriating 'antitheft' features.

Try this - the wheel will turn in one direction when you apply pressure.
You might have to muscle it a bit, but you'll note it turns in one
direction, but not the other. And only a little bit. The trick is to
turn it a bit and relieve the pressure on the lock pin that locks it,
and then you can turn the key (hopefully).

The manual's really vauge on this, my mom once got stuck this way, we
couldn't figure it out either for a while.

If you turn the wheel a bit in the direction it's 'free' (i.e., it
turns), then turn the key, it SHOULD release. If it's not, you've got a
real problem with the setup.

GM did a lot of ^%$#^^^ stupid things with keys, the shift lever, the
steering wheel on their cars. My favorite is the old console shift cars
that have the mechanism all the back to the collum for a neutral start
feature. Just put in a stupid switch!

I don't get what motivates them at times. I really don't.

 

[Steph]

Our LW200 didn't take hodl of the key and not let go like yours, but it
wore the center of the key shaft until it was very thin. Thick at the
tip and near the other end, but along the middle was very thin.

I showed it to our service advisor at 30,000 miles and they replaced the
key and "worked on the ignition key chamber".

Maybe a similar problem?

 

[Newsguy]

Hi Thanks all for responding;

Steph my key and yours were the same problem. although Saturn replaces the
cylinder housing and the tumblers. They rekeyed for the same key.
It is working now. all $202 of it.

btw: Saturn said to insert the key and then with a hammer tap (forcefully )
at the end of the key to seat it further into the lock.That should free up
the lock. I did and it did work with some resistance. I did not have to
have it towed.

Thanks