Key won't turn at random

[Dadwagon]

I'm finding that when my Buick has been run for about ten minutes and turned off, randomly it will lock the ignition in place so I can't turn the key to start the vehicle. Battery is new-ish, power doesn't seem effected. Key (a copy) glides in and out just fine, the shifter boot isn't getting stuck. After rocking the car, jiggling the key switch, reinserting the key, pounding on the plastic around the ignition, popping out the shifter boot...it will go back to normal after a couple of minutes. Given the truck has thrown up a code and put the engine into limp mode after being run, shut off for a few minutes, and restarted, I'm jumping to the conclusion this is a bad ground wire that needs cleaning. When I first bought the truck, the third ground wire to the fuse box was unhooked (the smaller ground closest to the motor, furthest from the fender).

Could a rusty/dirty ground wire cause the ignition to lock up? And do our trucks have the unlock or button somewhere that "unlocks" the ignition, or is that just on older vehicles? Feels like I'm missing something that the owner's manual isn't telling me about something I did to make this happen.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[gmcman]

What happens if you remove the key and try the other side of tbe key?

I wasn't aware there was an electro-mechanical lock in the cylinder, just the shifter.

 

[Mike534x]

@Dadwagon There's a manual release under the cylinder. You have to pull the steering column apart to access it, just follow this link to get at it. I would probably leave the column off, so you can still safely remove the key so your not stranded anywhere until you get it sorted out.

@gmcman I'm wondering if the switch down near the shifter is flaking out, it seems like thats almost always the cause for the ignition to lock out like he's going through.

 

[Mooseman]

His problem isn't being able to pull the key out, it doesn't want to turn to start. There is no electrical device that will stop the key from turning. Proof of that you can disconnect the battery and the key will turn. You just won't be able to pull it out.

I think it's either a problem with the key itself or the key cylinder.

 

[gmcman]

Coincidentally I'm having a similiar issue when going to turn the key, sometimes the cylinder won't turn. Flip the key over and all is good, I'm guessing just wear and tear.

 

[Dadwagon]

Thank you all. This occurs very seldom maybe once in 100 uses and usually the key will work if removed and reinserted. I’ll check out the button under the ignition column.

 

[TJBaker57]

You have to pull the steering column apart to access it

Is my 2002 different then? If what I am seeing is the right button I can pop off a small cover to quickly get at the button.

 

[Blckshdw]

Is my 2002 different then?

You kinda answered your own question here lol My 05 doesn't have that plug, I had to split my column trim open to get to that button when I needed it.

 

[TJBaker57]

You kinda answered your own question here lol My 05 doesn't have that plug,

Well maybe sorta?? I've never seen another besides my 02 so until someone said the column trim had to come off I could not know that all did not have the button cover!!

 

[Dadwagon]

That button cover is wild! I have to go look and see if mine has that but I'm sure I would have noticed by now. But never assume, things like this are a mystery unless you're looking for them. Thanks for the picture review.

 

[TJBaker57]

I may have started a run on 2002 junkyard column covers!