About Chris Greiner Expertise Major mechanical, light-line(ac compressors, alternators, starters), heavy line (engine/trans overhaul), electrical, drivability.
Experience Seven years as lead technician at a Saturn retail facility. Fully factory trained.
Expert: Chris Greiner Date: 5/14/2006 Subject: Key stuck in ignition
Question 1994 Saturn SL1 - 221,000 miles. For a few weeks before key got stuck I
would at times get the beeping alarm after removing the ignition key as I
opened the driver's door (as though I had left the key in the ignition). Now
the key is stuck in the ignition and I can't turn the engine on or remove the
key. Also the automatic shift moves freely from park to all the other gears.
Any ideas? ( No previous problems with ignition or electrical system ) I do
have an "Airbag" indicator on the dash for a good while.
Answer Terence,
My only recomendation to you is to buy a BIG HAMMER. That is the only way your key will come out of that ignition. If you want to remove it yourself, take the lower steering column shroud off and lightly tap the bottom of the cylinder housing while turning/pulling on the key. It will turn and most likely come out. You will need to build/have built a new key cylinder to put in the old one's place. Write back if you need some info on how to do that. I'll help you out.
