dougn

I not sure if I am posting correctly. We'll find out. A friend helped me. We discovered that if I wait 30 seconds to 1 minute I can remove the key. If I listen carefully I can here a very slight click that seems to be coming from the steering column. After the click, I can remove the key. Does this indicate a software issue? I am going to try and live with this; waiting 30 to 60 seconds to turn the key to thew OFF position and then removing. I'd be interested to know if other people have used this (waiting 30 to 60 seconds) as their solution.

THANK YOU!

Occasionally I've not been able to remove the ignition key. I have turned the key from ACC to START, moved the shift lever from Park to Drive, held the brake down, etc. etc. Today nothing worked! After giving up trying to remove the key, I disconnected the negative battery cable so the battery would not discharge with the key in ACC position. I was able to remove the key. The ignition cylinder seemed to function OKAY. I turned the key on and off multiple times with no problem. (battery disconnected) I reconnected the battery, started the car, turned off the car, the ignition would not turn to OFF, only ACC. I disconnect the battery and the ignition key cylinder can be turned to OFF and the key removed. I did this three times and each time the ignition cylinder functioned normally. I also noticed that when I was reattaching the battery cable there was a slight spark, indicating a possible closed interlock circuit. I am told by a service writer at a GMC dealership that there is an interlock circuit consisting of the ignition cylinder, an ignition cylinder interlock device, the shift lever, the brake pedal and the associated wiring. There is a switch/sensor at the brake pedal and at the shift lever. These are connected via a computer to the ignition cylinder interlock module in the steering column. The GMC guy also told me there could be an issue with the wires in the harness. I am an electrician but not a mechanic. I understand an open or closed circuit. Does this scenario (disconnect the battery and remove the key) indicate one of the two sensors or the wiring between the sensors and computer is defective; meaning the sensor is not opening. Does this scenario seem to indicate the ignition cylinder and ignition cylinder interlock device in the steering column are functioning correctly? Can these sensors be changed at home OR do they require a computer update after installation which would necessitate a trip to the dealership? Thank you for any feedback, enlightenment and help!