2003 H2 - Key stuck in ignition - Require Shifter

[Scooter911]

@twr - I see that your from Ontario - I'm in Kingston.

Kelly

[HUMTECH]

A common problem is broken wires at the lock solenoid at the shifter assembly. Seen this more often than the shifter itself. Remove shifter handle and cupholder assembly pops out, its held in with clips, then inspect wiring at the connector on the right side of shifter assembly. If no broken wires are seen give them a firm tug as they could just be broken inside the insulation

[Scooter911]

Okay - I was going to try this - but I thought that I had to remove the entire centre console. I'll give it a try tomorrow.

Kelly

[Olfart]

Originally Posted by HUMTECH

A common problem is broken wires at the lock solenoid at the shifter assembly. Seen this more often than the shifter itself. Remove shifter handle and cupholder assembly pops out, its held in with clips, then inspect wiring at the connector on the right side of shifter assembly. If no broken wires are seen give them a firm tug as they could just be broken inside the insulation

Had the problem a while back on my H2. It was a broken wire going to shift solenoid and dealer repaired under warranty. About a month later the problem returned right after the warranty had expired. Dealer found that connector to shift solenoid had come loose loose and not making good contact. The wires there don't have any slack and there is strain at the connector which causes breakage,
I have been told that a temporary solution to remove the key is to pry out the ring around the ignition switch and manually depress the ign lock solenoid and move the key to the OFF position. Haven't tried this, but it might get you going until you can have the problem repaired.

[twr]

Hi i would be checking the wires at the shifter as has been said already. That is a common problem. I live in kitchener, Scooter911.

[Scooter911]

@Olfart - The dealer showed me how to manually depress the ignition lock solenoid, which is why I was wondering if I could simply hard wire this switch in the 'ON' position for a month or two, which will allow me to save up the $600+ it's going to cost to fix.

I understand that I'll be able to remove the key with the vehicle in gear - but I'm the only one who drives the truck.

Kelly

[vandy0090]

somthing you might want to try. my wife dropped about 44 oz. of good old southern sweet tea on her shifter and the cup busted open. she did what she could to clean it up. we had no prob for about a month then all the sticky goodness started to mess with my shifter also. i dont know if u have dropped anything down on there but u may want to try and get some carb cleaner and douche the tell outta it. move the shifter back and forth a few times. then i got some lithiam (sp) grease and sprayed all the moving parts down. works like a charm. they were telling my i was going to need a new shifter also but its been a few months and havnt had a prob yet. u may try that. also try gmpartsdirect.com u may be able to get a new one for cheaper that the stealership will sell u one and do it your self

[h24bob]

i',m in burlington ontario had same problem with my 2003 it happened twice both times it was a broken wire under the shifter ,the last time it happened they put in a heavy duty wire after i complained why it broke again until iwas able to get it into the dealer i just loosened the connecter at the battery terminal to cut the power off .its a very common problem

[Scooter911]

Thanks everyone for all the good advise.

I called the dealer and asked him to cancel the part order. This weekend when I have some time I'll take the shifter apart and give it a good inspection. I feel a lot more confident now knowing that it's a somewhat common problem.

I'll post my results once I'm finished.

Kelly