HELP! The ignition key cylinder will not turn to the off position. This has happened before, but I would hear a "click" in the column and it would turn to off. Any thoughts?

 

*thread moved to proper section*

Have you tried making sure the shifter is completely in park, and the button on the shifter isn't jammed? It might not be making proper contact, and the car thinks its still in gear, and won't let the key be removed. When you have this trouble, try moving the shifter through the gears and put it firmly in park. It might loosen up anything that is sticking.

 

Tried that many times. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. Is there a cable involved in the process that might be stretched? Or a solenoid? It seems to be worse in warmer weather. Thanks for your help.
CC

 

I'm not sure. There might be a cable on the shifter.

There should also be a little solenoid in the steering column that lets the key out when in park. They've been known to get stuck on the Grand Prix and cause a similar problem.

 

Under the ignition switch on the bottom of the steering column is a dime sized plug that can be removed with a small screwdriver blade. Use the screwdriver to gently press upward in the hole to activate the key release button. I found this tonight in a Buick Regal forum post by Ben in Boise ID and Randy at AOL. I am having this same problem with my 2002 Regal and I plan to try the screwdriver fix before paying big bucks for troubleshooting and repair. Do a "2002 buick regal ignition key stuck" search and hopefully you will find the same forum with the first post by M A Flowers in Derby, KS on 7/20/2007. Good Luck!