I need help... my key is stuck in ingnition...

batteries also dead now, but no sense in worrying about that till I can get the key out. it seems that the car is engaging into park, doors are automatically unlocking, ect... but the key won't turn all the way to be able to pull out... and of course, it's sucked all the power out of the battery. it's a early 2000 monte carlo...
anyone have any suggestions??

a reply to: dawnstar

Um, put it in PARK?


Try holding down the brake; tugging the wheel to either side while trying to remove the key...

Wiggle your stick shift. Maybe you're not entirely in park.
If that doesn't work try putting the car in neutral and roll a foot forward or back.
I don't know why but that works. On older vehicles anyway.

Did you crank the steering wheel side to side while turning off?

Try it from the neutral shift position?



Edit, sorry can get vid to load right, check it on youtube, it's some good info

a reply to: dawnstar

wiggle your wheel back and forth. Use a good deal of pressure.

originally posted by: dawnstar
batteries also dead now, but no sense in worrying about that till I can get the key out. it seems that the car is engaging into park, doors are automatically unlocking, ect... but the key won't turn all the way to be able to pull out... and of course, it's sucked all the power out of the battery. it's a early 2000 monte carlo...
anyone have any suggestions??

Try and get a boost from someone.

The issue sounds like you need to get it into park. But, sometimes you can push the key in and turn it.

Some of those GM's have a button you have to press to release it.

Maybe something wrong with the mech to it.

If the power is draining you're key is turned to auxiliary. ( turned back past off) try turning the key forward like you're trying to start it. Then turn it back to off.

a reply to: dawnstar

Happened to me. Changed gear and back to parking position. Moved the steering wheel and key came off.

a reply to: Antipathy17

My steering wheel locks up like this sometimes but turning the key forward always unlocks it.

This happened to my Bro in laws car, a known issue in older Ford Focuses. There was a recall in his case, but the bottom line was he needed to replace his Ignition "barrel", not the switch but rather the key mechanism behind the switch itself with the keyhole.

OP let us know if any of this works.

a reply to: Trueman

Yes it happens in my Lincoln and in my jeep.

my son was driving it, and I was with him, we tried most of what was suggested, except moving the steering wheel back and forth..
and, I think he tried that one. my other son said he will stop by, he thinks he knows...so hopefully...
if all else fails, it can probably stay down till next month and it needs to be inspected then, take it to the machanic and it's his problem, unfortunately, it will probably also be my landlords problem aslo after he charges me an arm and a leg for it...lol

if it wasn't engaging into park the door locks wouldn't be automatically unlocking would they?

a reply to: dawnstar
husband says to buy an new ignition

a reply to: MissCoyote

that one goes in with the drop it off at the machanic and tell the landlady sorry!!
but, I am wondering, if we do manage to rig it and get it out...
will it keep having this problem? I don't want to end up being stranded anywhere because it happens again, sure can't walk home!

a reply to: Sillyolme

Okay, best bet it changing gears and throwing it back in park if you can. Hopefully it's not a bad ignition lock.

a reply to: dawnstar

You can try rapping the end of the key with a hammer while turning it back. If one of the wafers has a burr and got stuck it might drop back down.

If that doesn't work you could try to pull the ignition out. Remove cowelling and look for the check pin. Turn ignition on and depress button. After it comes out you can frig with it more easily and probably get the key out.

we have the key!! now hopefully my son can put the center console back together right and it will work okay???

a reply to: dawnstar

he said he doesn't really know what he did that fixed it...
he did unplug one cable in order to take the console off, maybe that was it??