Keys locked in ignition - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Lori2010 · 09-06-2009, 07:24 PM

I had this happen to me. Parked on a slight incline, put it in park, turned car off and keys would NOT come out. No matter what I did, every trick I know and yes even read the manual - they didn't come out. Dealer had to get them out by removing trim around steering wheel to look at the ignition. This happened Aug 4 and car was fixed on Aug 28. Parts were very slow in coming but it is fixed now.

ShnOmac · 09-06-2009, 07:26 PM

What exactly was the problem? Did it have to do with the steering wheel lock?

Andro · 09-06-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnomac77

What exactly was the problem?

+1

Lori2010 · 09-06-2009, 07:46 PM

the security lock wasn't the problem. behind the bezel of the ignition there is a release gear and it was catching and not releasing.

ShnOmac · 09-06-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lori2010

the security lock wasn't the problem. behind the bezel of the ignition there is a release gear and it was catching and not releasing.

DOH! Do you know all of the parts they replaced?

crzycicada · 09-06-2009, 08:12 PM

This guy had the same problem: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ight=stuck+key

I had the same problem with my Saturn. Had to depress a tiny little button hidden behind a tiny little panel underneath the steering wheel. Yes it was a pain!

vdevine · 09-06-2009, 08:18 PM

Park on incline, pull e-brake before letting off foot brake.

Banshee · 09-06-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdevine

Park on incline, pull e-brake before letting off foot brake.

Yep..and if you turn steering wheel all the way to right or left lock, turn off car, key will be hard to get out. You have to countersteer wheel with 1 hand and work key with other.

And you MUST set e brake first on incline before placing in park to alleviate binding on transmission.

ShnOmac · 09-06-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdevine

Park on incline, pull e-brake before letting off foot brake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

Yep..and if you turn steering wheel all the way to right or left lock, turn off car, key will be hard to get out. You have to countersteer wheel with 1 hand and work key with other.

And you MUST set e brake first on incline before placing in park to alleviate binding on transmission.

Sounds more like a mechanical failure than a binding issue or they would not have replaced parts

vdevine · 09-06-2009, 08:43 PM

Banshee's dead on....binding of tranny when weight redistributes locks it up.

ShnOmac · 09-06-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdevine

Banshee's dead on....binding of tranny when weight redistributes locks it up.

But if its the tranny causing it wont it free up if you roll the car or row through the gears?

Mr_Draco · 09-07-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnomac77

But if its the tranny causing it wont it free up if you roll the car or row through the gears?

Not always, that's why new cars have a release built into the ignition that can be a simple button or a sequence you have to do with the steering wheel and key. I'm surprised the dealer didn't do this myself.

Gentry78 · 09-07-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crzycicada

This guy had the same problem: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ight=stuck+key

I had the same problem with my Saturn. Had to depress a tiny little button hidden behind a tiny little panel underneath the steering wheel. Yes it was a pain!

yup the button that releases the entire tumbler from the column, works every time lol

Number 3 · 09-07-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crzycicada

This guy had the same problem: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ight=stuck+key

I had the same problem with my Saturn. Had to depress a tiny little button hidden behind a tiny little panel underneath the steering wheel. Yes it was a pain!

FYI, Federal Regs require that this release button NOT be accessed unless you are using a tool. It can not be released with just reaching your finger up there and pushing the button. Generally a screwdriver will do the trick.

09-06-2009, 07:24 PM	#1
Lori2010 Drives: Black SS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mukilteo, WA Posts: 28	Keys locked in ignition I had this happen to me. Parked on a slight incline, put it in park, turned car off and keys would NOT come out. No matter what I did, every trick I know and yes even read the manual - they didn't come out. Dealer had to get them out by removing trim around steering wheel to look at the ignition. This happened Aug 4 and car was fixed on Aug 28. Parts were very slow in coming but it is fixed now. __________________ My Baby was worth the wait ! !

09-06-2009, 07:46 PM	#4
Lori2010 Drives: Black SS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mukilteo, WA Posts: 28	the security lock wasn't the problem. behind the bezel of the ignition there is a release gear and it was catching and not releasing. __________________ My Baby was worth the wait ! !

09-06-2009, 08:12 PM	#6
crzycicada Drives: 2SS/RS/LS3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 294	This guy had the same problem: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ight=stuck+key I had the same problem with my Saturn. Had to depress a tiny little button hidden behind a tiny little panel underneath the steering wheel. Yes it was a pain! __________________ Order date: 7/17/09 3000 TPW: 8/17/09 3400 status on 8/11/09 3800: 8/21/09 4200: 8/24/09 on rail car ETTX850796 5000/6000: 9/2/09

09-06-2009, 08:18 PM	#7
vdevine Drives: 2010 Black SS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 605 View My Garage	Park on incline, pull e-brake before letting off foot brake. __________________ Vince SS2 Black with CGM Stripes 3800 Born: 25 May VIN#12136 6000 Mine 26 June 2009 SLP Loudmouth II, NOWEEDS, BMR 1.4/1.0 Lowering Springs, Cold Air Inductions Intake, Tune, Eagle Eyes w HID, SLP "SS" Grille Insert, Pistol Grip Shifter, Hawk PC Pads, RGB Scanner, Tint, Headlight Armor, Clear Bra, 22's.

09-06-2009, 08:43 PM	#10
vdevine Drives: 2010 Black SS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 605 View My Garage	Banshee's dead on....binding of tranny when weight redistributes locks it up. __________________ Vince SS2 Black with CGM Stripes 3800 Born: 25 May VIN#12136 6000 Mine 26 June 2009 SLP Loudmouth II, NOWEEDS, BMR 1.4/1.0 Lowering Springs, Cold Air Inductions Intake, Tune, Eagle Eyes w HID, SLP "SS" Grille Insert, Pistol Grip Shifter, Hawk PC Pads, RGB Scanner, Tint, Headlight Armor, Clear Bra, 22's.

09-06-2009, 07:26 PM	#2
ShnOmac Drives: 2006 Silverado SS, 2009 G8 GT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: PNW Posts: 13,313	What exactly was the problem? Did it have to do with the steering wheel lock?

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