ignition switch problem 2008 Impala

You will doubtlessly get a better answer than mine, Nate, but I think the problem is in the switch itself. As I remember from the olden days, most switches had to have the steering wheel at the right spot to be able to extract the key. If that were not right, you couldnt get it out.

If you parked such that there was pressure on the steering system, you might not be able to operate the lock.

Also, the switch (tumblers and key lands) itself must me within specs. Wear, etc, could hang you up here.

Are you using a re-cut key? Do you have a fresh key to try?

Hope you get this sorted out quickly. Not only irritating but a little dangerous

don't think that's the problem, although I am familiar with it working the other way (not being able to *start* the car because of pressure on steering shaft/lock) because car has power steering and I am also in the habit of letting go of steering wheel while trying to turn off key (because of issues with other cars and binding steering linkages and no-start, above) also I did try wiggling the steering wheel to no effect.

using a copy of the one key that I got with the car. I do have that key but that is typically safely tucked away in drawer

indeed... I can lock the car with the remote fob and leave the key in if I have to (in fact, I have deliberately done that a few times, e.g. cold mornings when stopping for a cup of coffee at store before inside is warmed up. But that is not an ideal long term solution.

nate

Does it have a security system (beyond the key fob)? In other words is the duplicate key a plain 'ol metal key or is there a resistor, chip, etc. in it which must match up with the car?

*IF* plain ol' key, there is a key-can't-remove solenoid. The solenoid only allows key removal if shift linkage in park. In this system, you can't move the cylinder back to the "remove" position; you are stuck in "off" but it's totall off. Two tiny wires power the solenoid, and I've had them fail. In this system, the mechanical cylinder is connected with a linkage to the electrical switchl

There is something in the key, because when I had a new key cut, I had to go through some procedure which I don't exactly remember at the moment to make the copy start the car.

so do the wires run directly from the column to the shifter? (floor shift, BTW. not sure if they still offered column shift in '08 but my '05 had one so I figured I'd specify.)

nate

There's an interlock between the shifter and ignition lock. The lock must be told that the car is in park for it to allow you to turn it all the way off. It's either a cable or solenoid, and it's probably still a very common problem. The dealer will know exactly what you're talking about.

Sounds like the ignition switch interlock solenoid is getting sticky. It is a small solenoid that normally prevents you from shutting the key all the way off while the vehicle is in gear and in motion. It allows you to shut the engine off but not get to the lock position. It is NOT the same one that locks you from shifting gears unless the brake is pressed.

Usually you will find a small plug or hole in the bottom of the steering column in the area of the ignition switch. If you stick a small straight object in the hole you will find a spring loaded plunger that will move the solenoid and allow you to turn the ignition off and get the key out.

As to the repair, there are two options, new solenoid (not hard to replace) or remove it and just leave the wire unplugged IF the solenoid doesn't have to be connected (most don't)

I have done this on about 5 vehicles that I own. I figure I'm smart enough that I won't lock the column if I have to kill the engine.

GM has a bulletin out BUT they have discovered that the fix they do doesn't always work. I sent you a copy.

You might want to make sure the shifter is in Park position. You should also try putting it into drive and into Park several times to see if that releases the key. If it does there's some problem with the interlock on the shifter. Well, that's my guess anyway.

got your email, thanks. also sounds like you might be onto something with your assumption of what the problem may be. I'll have to check it out tomorrow while it's light out, and be prepared to try to release it manually next time it does it to confirm the problem.

nate

what condition is the key itself in?? Worn keys can cause problems too. If the key is fine it's most likely the lock cylinder that is bad..

I not sure if this applies but many years of this model had a cable between floor shifter and switch that is adjustable. The adjustment is at about the middle of the cable.

I googled around a bit for this problem because the Impala is a car I might buy.

Here are a couple relevant links.

The first talks about the shifter solenoid, the second about the shifter cable. Both are in the shifter console, so getting in there should provide the answer. I don't know how your maintenance guys work or their rules, but somebody has to get in there to find the answer. A case of beer might work. . Second link includes this from the mech: "If the key in your car will not turn all of the way off I would suggest lifting the cover shown earlier and spray some good lubricant on the plastic pawl and work it back and forth by hand to free it up and allow the key to turn all of the way off."

He also says don't force the key. That case the key had been forced and added up to bucks. Only thing needed was a cleaning of the shifter.

--Vic

Nate, I think the old TSB said "Just buy a new one" :>)

It's doing it again right now, haven't seemed to find the magic touch to jiggle it loose, there are several holes under the column but none seems to release the key...?

am actually home sick and not supposed to go to work for another week (just got back from doctor) so would really like to get this key out rather than run the battery down

nate

I think you're looking in the wrong area. I don't know about GM but my Hyundai and Toyota won't release the key until the shift lever is in park. That's where you should be checking. Check the shifter by putting it in drive and then to park until you're able to take out the key. It would probably help if you were firm about it.

Usually you need a pen or similar to hit the plunger. Most of the time the key release hole will have a cap in/over it. On most of the ones I have seen the cover is sort of clipped into a hole.

tried that, no joy. I think I have located the problem. there is a connector on the side of the shifter with a loose - as in dangling - wire. the connector moves with the shifter so I am assuming it went intermittent and then finally broke today. unfortuantely I cannot see how to disconnect it. yes, I pulled the top of the console off in the driveway just out of curiosity. Right now it's locked with the remote but the key is still stuck in.

my shifter doesn't really look a lot like the ones in any of the links posted (earlier body style)

n

That is likely the wire that triggers the solenoid. Repair it and you should be GTG.

Most of them have either a tab or a pin lock. Some are just a PIA regardless.

Unfortunately I don't see how to do that without removing the whole console... can't see how to remove the connector and not sure that I could pull it above the console even if I did. And, I don't particularly have a lot of patience at the moment, having been sick for the last four days and all. :(

Maybe I can get a kind coworker to trade cars with me and run it into the shop for me?

nate

well funk. neighbor just knocked on the door to say lights were on. weren't when I came inside. car wouldn't start. put battery charger on. hands now really, really cold. (I did mention I'd been sick? All my normal resistance to cold weather is shot.) will see what's up in AM. hope stupid automatic lights don't kick on again.

nate