99 GP key won't turn from lock position

[tscheerer]

I apologize in advance for the long story... 99 GP GT that we bought new, handed down to daughter, now has 189k still going strong. Has had the issue where key won't return to lock position when turning it off for several years, we just push the release button under the key and all is good. Took car for oil change yesterday, and apparently tech didn't know. When daughter picked up car, they said they had a charger on the battery because it was low. When she opened the door the chimes went off like the key was in the ignition, but the key was in her hand. The car started normally, and she drove it, then shut it off and removed the key. When she went to start it again, the key will not move from the lock position. Have tried moving the steering wheel, released shift lock and put the car in neutral to let it roll a couple inches before going back to park, squirted lube into the key hole and worked key in and out several times, tried second key that's hardly been used. Nothing is working. I think that the tech couldn't get the key out and forced it out while the ignition was still in 'on' position. This would explain why they had to charge the battery and why the chimes rang when she opened the door. Based on that I'm figuring the lock cylinder is damaged, however to get that out it needs to be in run/start position and it won't move.

So, how can I get the lock cylinder to the run/start position so that I can replace it, or how can I remove it when it's in the lock position?

 

[Swiggles]

There’s a plastic plug underneath the steering column right were the keys go in, take that out and stick a screwdriver up the hole and you should feel press in on the key release. Turn your key while pressing on the release.

I had to do this almost every time I shut the car off but my key could also come out of the ignition with the car started so I used my key to release the lock cylinder lol.

To replace it you have to take the plastic off the steering column and it’s in there, don’t know the exact steps as I never fix my problem but I think there’s a how to in the how to section.

 

[wstefan20]

Mine ended up being a broken wire going from the neutral safety switch to the key. Here's the video I used to fix it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rHbrsvzxWc

Except you can push these out with a small pick and just grab another similar connector from the junkyard with the same pins and solder it in. I added some length just in case.

Good luck!

 

[GTPandGXPand Z28]

mines is starting to do the same thing unless its because my battery was weak..

 

[wstefan20]

mines is starting to do the same thing unless its because my battery was weak..

Best way to check is to do a visual inspection if you're concerned. It will usually only break at one of the connectors, either on the steering wheel or the shift selector. An easy way to check is to grab a continuity meter and probe both pins. It will tell you if there's any breaks in the line.