7.2
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $110
- Average Mileage:
- 126,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (5 reports)
- dealer replaced sensor in gearshift (1 reports)
- lock de icer or graffite (1 reports)
- temp solution look under steering column (1 reports)
It happened to my 96 Grand AM - to be able to remove the key I removed a plastic cover under the steering column - you need torx screw driver 5/32" - and then you will see a plunger coil and then push it toward the key and I taped it in the "pushed in" position with electrical tape. Also on the plastic cover under the steering column there is a small access hole with cover about 1" x 1 1/2" that can be removed with a regular screw driver (access cover has small slot for screw driver for removal slide the panel up the steering column) and you can insert your finger in there and push the same plunger in and release the key.
Good luck.
- Aimo K., Oakville, ON, Canada
Pontiac suck , it has been one problem after the other, it seems every month i am fixing something on this dang car. when your ignition locks up thats mean it won't drive so you gotta call a tow truck that means big $$$.
- brittanie, Jackson, MI, US
it was fixed once. now it is doing it again, the dealer's service manger said there are 4 parts that go bad. it could be any one of those 4. he said grand am & grand prix have this problem.
- Wayne S., Selinsgrove, PA, US
Just that if your key gets stuck in the ignition look under the steering column there is a hole put your finger in there and pull the lever froward while holding it it should always you to pull your stuck keys right out of the ignition...any more questions please feel free to email me....
- armymechanic08, El Paso, TX, US
My keys are always getting stuck in my ignition. They will not turn to the off position and it happens nearly daily. I have found a few things that help for about a week or so at minimum cost. Try squirting powdered graphite into your ignition or lock de icer (used in cold weather on door locks normally) it will clean and lubricate the ignition itself and make it unlock for the time being. Both of these products are less then 2 dollars at a part store or Walmart.
- shelbylynne, Cedar Rapids, IA, US
I have 2 nearly identical Pontiac Grand Am's and one will not release the key from the ignition switch most of the time. It takes from 5 to 20 minutes to finally allow the switch to be locked and key removed. All that time all the instrument panel lights are on and draining the battery. Your only protection is to have a spare key to get in after you lock the doors and to have a set of jumper cables to start the car if you get back too late. If I could find the little sucker I'd disconnect or override it so it wouldn't lock the ignition switch from going to the locked position.
- John D., Pascagoula, MS, US
My key got stuck in my car the other day so I left it. Usually I leave it for a few minutes and go back out and the key will come right out. Well, I was at work and got busy and by the time I got back out to the car the car was dead! Then I had to try and get it jumped in the dark and it was a big pain in the ass. The key gets stuck sometimes, but not every time. It seems to go in spurts.
- stephjon00, Clinton, IA, US
I had this problem off and on for months until, finally, the key was permanently stuck in the ignition. Since the electrical system was still active, I had to disconnect the battery to keep it from draining and call a tow truck. After a lot of headache, my mechanic told me that he replaced a solenoid and this seemed to resolve the problem. Unfortunately, after just a few months, the problem returned. Rather than continue fighting with this car, which had numerous other problems, I got rid of it and swore off GM products for the rest of my life.
- joshmd, Frederick, MD, US