Ignition key help, please.

[H2Buff]

I am 4 hours from my dealer, so I am trying to fix this myself. The ignition key will not rotate past accessory to allow removal. I have examined the wires on the shifter, and checked the fuses as has been suggested in this forum, and have not found the culprit, yet. Which color wire do I need to carefully inspect? Also, my transmission is able to shift without the key on or the brake applied. Any help will be greatly appriciated.

[H2Buff]

I am 4 hours from my dealer, so I am trying to fix this myself. The ignition key will not rotate past accessory to allow removal. I have examined the wires on the shifter, and checked the fuses as has been suggested in this forum, and have not found the culprit, yet. Which color wire do I need to carefully inspect? Also, my transmission is able to shift without the key on or the brake applied. Any help will be greatly appriciated.

[ARH1956]

I'm betting the problem at the end switch at the shifter. I'd bet on a broken wire even though you've checked them. But, to get the key out is easy enough. Under the bottom of the steering column there's a panel that is removeable. It can be pulled down from the front side {closest to the dash} & removed. It seems like the piece will break but it'll come off with a downward yank. You will then see a plunger on the right hand side of the key cylinder. It is metal cylinder about 3/8" in diameter. You can simply push & hold this cylinder upward & the key will turn & can be removed. You could actually operate it like this as long as needed without any problem.

[timgco]

a dead battery will casue this too.
use the find buton and search for key. You will find many topics on this.

[H2Buff]

Thanks guys. I already did a search and got the key out using the button udner the steering column. I am trying to figure out what caused the problem, and fix it before i have to drive 4 hours in the snow for crappy service from my Hummer dealer. Where is the switch in relation to the shift assembly? This may be my last GM vehicle after 20 years. I have had it with thier service and attitude toward customers with issues that should have been recalled. GM makes Ferrari look like the Nordstroms of customer service, no wonder they are in financial trouble.

[timgco]

Not that I can say for sure, but I would guess it's your battery. I had this happen on my 03 H2. Many people have battery issues... even on 05, not sure about 06's though. I'll find out soon enough.

Who's your dealer or at least what state? There are enough forum members on here that maybe one is close enough and could help you with figure out what the problem is???

[HUMTECH]

I suspect the shift button is stuck in the shifter assembly. remove the shift lever and check to see if it is stuck in the down position. You may be able to lubricate the mechanism and free it up.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Buff:
Thanks guys. I already did a search and got the key out using the button udner the steering column. I am trying to figure out what caused the problem, and fix it before i have to drive 4 hours in the snow for crappy service from my Hummer dealer. Where is the switch in relation to the shift assembly? This may be my last GM vehicle after 20 years. I have had it with thier service and attitude toward customers with issues that should have been recalled. GM makes Ferrari look like the Nordstroms of customer service, no wonder they are in financial trouble. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Crappy dealer = unhappy/lost customer.

I've always had great service at Hall HUMMER. (That's a shameless plug incase they read this. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

[Dan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Humm This:
The only thing my dad can think of is make sure it's all the way in park. One time my dad's shifter was kinda stuck in between park and reverse and never "clicked" into park and until he did that he couldn't remove the key either. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

fissed http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[H2Buff]

I still have not figured it out. I live outside of Grand Junction, Colorado. Medved Hummer sucks. The battery is fine. Removed the shift mechanism for inspection and everything seems in order, although I did not disassemble it. Reinspected wireing harness and found no visible damage. Where does the brake interface with the transmission to release it from park? It seems to me this is where I need to look. Maybe it just needs an alignment.

[CslRkH2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Buff:
I live outside of Grand Junction, Colorado. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Call Al Serra in Colo Springs...I've been very pleased with their service

[Easy Ed]

Check page 15 and 16 of this (http://www.elcova.com/h2/2003H2GMNavigationInstall.pdf) for the shifter release button and the wiring connector.

I think Klaus was the author of the write up so he would be the one to thank for the pics.

[H2Buff]

Thank you all. For future reference, I replaced the entire shift assembly and the problem was fixed. What do you know- the new shift stalk was actually metal instead of plastic!