2003 H2 - Key stuck in ignition - Require Shifter

[Scooter911]

Hi.

I just got back from the dealer and my 2003 Hummer requires a shifter. Earlier in the day I tired to remove the key from the ignition and it would not turn past ACC.

The shifter is going to cost me $297.00 Canadian, plus 3 hours labour @ $88 per hour.

The mechanic removed the lower part of the steering column and showed me where to 'press' the override in order to get my key out, until the shifter arrives some time next week.

Can someone tell me if I am able to simply 'fix' the override button in place so that I can put the bottom of my steering column back on? I was thinking of using a zap strap. And if so - is this fix okay for a month or so? Christmas is right around the corner and if I can put off spending $700 to fix my truck life would be good (I already paid the dealer $100 to diagnose the problem).

Any opinions would be helpful!

Kelly

[H2 Bill]

Try loosening the set screw on the back of the shifter handle and try adjusting it (the handle) up or down slightly then tighten and try it again.. Try playing with that a bit before paying for a new assembly.

[Scooter911]

This is what the mechanic wrote:

Complaint:
Key not coming out of ignition

Correction:
Test the ignition lock cylinder operation
Remove the column covers and test
The ignition lock solenoid is INOP
Test the circuits - no power
Test the ignition lock control switch in the shifter
The switch is open
Needs a new shifter assembly

If you still think it's worth a try I'll definitely try adjusting the shift handle.

Kelly

[H2 Bill]

It's worth a try because it only takes a couple of minutes.

[Scooter911]

Okay. It's late here right now - so tomorrow I'll give it a try in the daylight.

Kelly

[timgco]

key stuck in ignition = dead battery issue. Did you look into this?

When the battery dies and you key is in there, it gets stuck in there until you jump the truck again and get it running. ...just a thought.

[Scooter911]

Well, the battery is only 4 months old (I replaced it because the old battery no longer held a charge). I replaced it at the dealer for the recommended one.

The truck started fine, and is charging okay. So I think that a dead battery can be ruled out. Unless the ignition solenoid is so sensitive to voltage that it is causing an issue. Today has been the first cold day here this fall.

However, the dealer is 20 minutes away - and the battery IS charging. So if it was a battery issue surely the battery would have charged up enough for the key to be removed.

Thanks for your input!

Kelly

[twr]

hi is he saying that it needs a shifter and the ignition lock sol?

[Scooter911]

I'm not a mechanic so I might have misunderstood. The Service Rep (not the mechanic) told me that my truck needed a shifter. He said that the shifter is not sending the signal to the ignition lock solenoid and that he would have to order one in at a cost of $297. So I'm assuming that it only needs a shifter.

I hope this helps.

Like I said earlier - if I can simply force the override switch ON, then life would be good until I can save up the $600+. I hate to put this on a credit card!

Kelly

[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

[vandy0090]

Originally Posted by Scooter911

Hi.

The shifter is going to cost me $297.00 Canadian, plus 3 hours labour @ $88 per hour.

on a side note im not sure if u looked it up but i did because im bored

Description MSRP Price Your Price
Shifter - 2003-07 - $133.01 $78.85

its pretty easy to R2 also. crazy what stealerships will charge for parts

if my math is right its about 84 bucks canada?

[Scooter911]

Man.... I didn't need to see that! lol

I wish I was more mechanically inclined! I have the ambition, I just don't have the tools or a decent garage. I live in Ontario, Canada - and my garage is so small that it barely fits my snowblower!

Kelly