GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder Column Shift

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

2

Verify the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock cylinder.

Is the key stuck in the lock cylinder?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Verify the adjustment of the automatic transmission cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment and Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .

Can the key be turned to the OFF position?

System OK

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the linear shift assembly and cable for damage.

Is the linear shift assembly or cable damaged?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder.

Is the lock cylinder damaged?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case.

Is the case worn, damaged, or loose?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

9

Replace the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

--

10

Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

--

12

Operate the system to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2

Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder Floor Shift

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

2

Verify the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock cylinder.

Is the key stuck in the lock cylinder?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Verify the adjustment of the automatic transmission shift cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment and Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .

Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?

System OK

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the lock cylinder solenoid plunger and spring.

Does the plunger or spring exhibit scratches or signs of wear?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Verify the electrical operation of the ignition lock cylinder solenoid. Refer to Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear .

Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?

System OK

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder.

Is the lock cylinder damaged?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case.

Is the case worn, damaged or loose?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

10

Replace the steering wheel theft deterrent lock and spring. Refer to Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 13

--

11

Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 13

--

13

Operate the system to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2