Questions and Answers

Pontiac Key Problems

Q. The car is a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am- automatic transmission. The problem is that when the car is parked the key will not come out of the ignition every time. It turns back far enough so that the engine is off, but will not lock and come out. It started to happen infrequently, but is recently becoming much worse. Any leads on causes and solutions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

A. I think it's time for a new lock cylinder. If the cylinder turns into the off position but won't allow the key to be removed, that's a good indication that the tumblers inside the lock are shot.

Since there is a special tool needed to get the steering wheel off, and the job can be kind of tricky, I would not recommend this as a DIY job. When you get the new lock, take it to a locksmith and they can re-key the new lock to fit your old key. This way you won't have two different keys for the car.