Can't get my keys out of the ignition

Greg Campbell · 03-20-2007, 09:08 AM

Hi everyone,

New SSR owner. It is a 2004 and black. I could not affort a new one so had to wait. I love it.

However, I need some help. About 25% fo the time I can't get my key out of the ignition. Also when that happens you cannot lower or raised the hood. Very frustrating. Seems to be several things and no one thing ever solves it. Once it I restarted the car and moved the gear shift up and back. The next time that didn't work. Once I titled the stering wheel up and down and it worked. Another I tried all that 10 times and got angry and just left it alone. Came back same problem. Took it for a short ride and when I got home key came right out. Was so happy drove to mini mart no problem came home and low an behold I can't get the keys out again. Something is strange. But Oh I love that engine.

Am I doing something wrong? Is there a special sequece? It is an automatic.
I wanted manual but when it is used you take what you get.

Also is there a place you can download the manual.

Thanks for any ideas.

Greg Campbell

vettegirl · 03-20-2007, 09:11 AM

I was just reading this thread that says "key capture" is a sign of your battery dying. Hope that helps!

Ignition switch question

Greg Campbell · 03-20-2007, 09:42 AM

My SSR starts fine. Does that mean my battery is about to go dead?
Thanks so much for the reply.

Greg

superman's pal · 03-20-2007, 09:45 AM

The tumblers in the ignition switch probably need to be replaced. As they wear sometimes that happens. Same thing happened to me.

DakotaDocMartin · 03-20-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Campbell

Also is there a place you can download the manual.

I have both the 2004 and 2005 manuals in PDF form. Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a copy. It's about 2.6 MB in size.

redssrloaded · 03-20-2007, 12:08 PM

No grease. This is the famed ignition switch problem. It is covered under warranty. It has to be changed. Do it now or it will get worse and you can not get it out at all. I had to go in the mall with the key in the ignition to pick something up. Pretty nerve wrecking if you asked me.

BetterMost · 03-20-2007, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redssrloaded

No grease. This is the famed ignition switch problem. It is covered under warranty. It has to be changed. Do it now or it will get worse and you can not get it out at all. I had to go in the mall with the key in the ignition to pick something up. Pretty nerve wrecking if you asked me.

Yes

hdflstf · 03-20-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redssrloaded

No grease. This is the famed ignition switch problem. It is covered under warranty. It has to be changed. Do it now or it will get worse and you can not get it out at all. I had to go in the mall with the key in the ignition to pick something up. Pretty nerve wrecking if you asked me.

Go pull the ECM fuse. Can't start it without the computer working...

Greg Campbell · 03-20-2007, 04:04 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I am bound for the dealer.
I will update to let everyone know what it is.

Thanks for all the help and especially for the PDF file Doc.

Greg

towcar2000 · 04-08-2007, 01:05 PM

Are you using an original factory key??? If you are using a replacement key that can be a factor. My RV has a GM switch and it would not turn the engine off and the locksmith finaly retrieved it and I started using an original key. NO PROBLEM SINCE.

Ron · 04-09-2007, 05:01 PM

Greg,
I had the exact same problem that started after I had my SSR for about a year. The key wouldn't come out without pulling, pushing and wiggling. It didn't matter which key I used, both stuck in the ignition.

Took it in last week and they changed out the ignition switch.
Problem solved.
Good luck.
Ron

JimGnitecki · 04-10-2007, 07:03 AM

It is PROBABLY indeed the ignition switch, BUT . . .

I learned recently that if you disconnect the battery after having left the key in the ignition, you then cannot remove the key until you reconnect the battery.

So, a really low battery COULD also conceivably cause this problem.

Jim G