The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. A huge pain in the rear when you're trying to run a quick errand, but can't get the key out of the flippin ignition. A few times I just had to leave the keys in the car, hoping it wouldn't disappear while I was in a store. It is such a random problem. We took in to our friends shop to have it repaired. It was going to cost approximately $300.00. We opted for a different solution. He removed a small round cap under the steering column, right below the ignition. Stick a screw driver up into the hole and move it towards the dash until you feel the switch pop. This will release the ignition. I'm beginning to hate this car! Transmission is slipping, CD player is broke, and my rear passenger window is stuck DOWN! This car is only 6 years old.

My car is a well maintained 2002 Grand Prix 40TH 3.8L V6. About 6 mon't ago the windshield washers stopped working and they said it was a power problem in the steering column. Now, the key is getting stuck. Once the key is stuck I couldn't put in it park or reverse so I always have to leave the key in and lock it and hope it is there when I get back. I now can find the release button on the inside of the steering column, but this is a major inconvenience for my wife. Judging from the number of references to this problem, it is a major fault with the Grand Prix. Why can't Pontiac address the problem properly. I guess it's time to trade back to a reliable vehicle.

This is a very will maintained 2002 Pontiac SE, with a 3.1L V6 and auto trans. We've owned it since new. The problem began when the gear shift would not go completely into Park. Also, sometimes it would go into park but the key would not turn to the OFF position. Therefore, in both situations above, the key would be stuck in the ignition. An emergency solution was to remove the small rectangular tab on the center console and use a key or screwdriver to release the gearshift. * Our local Pontiac dealer's first attempt to fix the issue resulted in a $465 replacement of the gearshift assembly linkage. THis didn't fix the problem. A week later, they replaced the ignition assembly and tried to charge me another $250. I complained and said they were already paid $450 to fix the problem. They agreed. A week later it broke again. Not sure what they did the 3rd time (for free) but it is working fine now. I'm not happy about dropping $450, but they were good to work with in finally resolving the problem. I've owned Grand Prix's since 1990 with very good success until this one.

Earlier this summer my car was having this trouble. Nothing I did was a solution, it would just eventually give me the key back. Then I got it fixed at a Pontiac dealer (for an amount I can't remember off hand) and they totally replaced a certain part that fixed the problem. So now it's October and I've moved halfway across the country, away from the dealer that fixed the car, and it's again no longer giving me my key back at all. Nothing I try, no tricks, no methods will give me my key back. This is no good because that little park light stays on and I don't know how long it needs to be on to drain my battery. So I don't know what would make a replaced part break so soon.

I really hope this helps you guys as I'm realizing now how nice the dealer who sold me my used car was. He actually thought of mentioning this to me... Anyway, the reason why the key gets stuck in the ignition is because the automatic shifter is pushed up too far. To solve this problem you simple have to remind yourself not too push it up so far or if you forget you simply have to pull your shifter slightly (no more than a few millimeters) towards reverse (R). Actually, when I do this I hear a little tiny click and I know its ok. I love my car :)

Key frequently gets stuck in the ignition. It is not a matter of moving the steering wheel or dealing with a locked steering wheel. I am not sure what the problem is because it happens intermmitently. It often takes putting the car in and out of park or taking it for a ride in order to fix it. Some people say the linkage isn't lined up properly when in park, others think it is in the ignition itself. I really don't want to pay someone $80.00 and hour to try and fix it. It hasn't become totally intolerable... yet. there have been times, however, when I have had to lock the keys in the car, in the ignition and use the spare set to get in and out of the car. It is a royal pain!

When I park and try to cut off the ignition the key will not go to the off position. Some times I have to to start back up and go through reverse and drive several times and then listen for a click in the steering column before I can place the switch all the way in off and remove the keys. I tried the shift lock override next to the shifter but still no avail. Sometimes I park the car at home and lock with the remote and then go back a couple of hours later and try to remove the keys. Sometimes it works.