Ignition Lock or Shift Lock

Don DeRyke · May 8, 2022

2019 Silverado Custom. When turning off the engine, my ignition key will not come out of the lock cylinder, more often than not. I have removed the cylinder and cleaned and lubricated it. It works perfectly while held in my hand. Upon installation it still hangs up. Today I discovered that once it is free to come out, it is fine until the engine is started and the vehicle has been put into gear. Then when turned off it can be cycled to the removal position, but won't actually come out.

After much experimenting, I found that if I turned the key toward start, to the point where it pops out a bit, and then back to remove, it will come out.

Any help would be appreciated. I am leaning toward it being related to the auto transmission shifter, but I don't know what I'm looking for, and can't find any late model info anywhere. Wiggling the shift arm, or the steering wheel has no effect at all.

Thanks in advance.

Don

Don DeRyke · May 28, 2022

I don't know how many members are on here, but I'm wondering if I have some real unique problem. No one is commenting.

GETGONE · May 29, 2022

I would think it's the steering lock that is causing the issue. I don't believe you can turn it if it is not in park or neutral. I know I've had several vehicles that if the steering is in the right spot it locks and won't let the key release. I've had to pull hard on one side or the other to release the pressure for the key to fully release.

Don DeRyke · May 29, 2022

Thanks for commenting.

I've tried all the usual stuff. The reason I think it is related to the steering lock is this. Once it is free and comes out, it will do it over and over again. It's not until the engine is started, and put into gear, then put into park, that it happens. I can't find any information on what/where/how the locking mechanism works. If it is a function of the lock cylinder, then buying a new one should fix it. But I'd hate to spend around $140 for a new one, and it not be the problem.

Edited May 29, 2022 by Don DeRyke

Joe Dem · June 7, 2023

Hi Don

I am running into the same problem with the key not turning all the way back to pull out the key. What was the cause. Thanks

Don DeRyke · June 7, 2023

16 hours ago, Joe Dem said:

Hi Don

I am running into the same problem with the key not turning all the way back to pull out the key. What was the cause. Thanks

Hi Joe.

It is a bit unresolved, only because my friend won't make the time for me to finish up the project. There is a locking module in the steering column that senses when the vehicle is in Park and releases the key. Otherwise it's stuck. I unplugged it, and now he can take the key out while driving down the road. LOL He's a bit tight about money, so I didn't want to spend the money on the part, without putting a meter on the disconnected line to determine if it was actually getting power or losing power when the shifter is in park. I didn't think of it at the time. I'd hate to replace it, which is easy, without making sure it wasn't a problem further down the the line. I have attached the parts diagram from Chevy. As I recall it is part number 9.

Silverado Ignition.pdf

johnny2 · September 30, 2024

Having the exact issue you described with a 2021 chevy trail boss. what part did you unplug off part # 9? I have been to the chevy dealer 3 time with no resolve. I would love to try to unhook this to try.

Thank you

IamSoConfused · October 8, 2024

On 9/30/2024 at 6:30 PM, johnny2 said:

Having the exact issue you described with a 2021 chevy trail boss. what part did you unplug off part # 9? I have been to the chevy dealer 3 time with no resolve. I would love to try to unhook this to try.

Thank you

If yours is the same as mine(2022 Chevy 3500) then it's the very front of the cylinder housing. Right by where you'd put the key in. Its a 2 wire. Once that's removed, they key will come out regardless of what position the shifter is in. Good luck.

Tyler_0172000 · November 17, 2024

Having the same issue with mine. 2022 2500hd. Turns back to Acc but won’t come out without an unknown amount of on off cycles. Sometimes it’s 2 tries sometimes it’s 30

Kris Irwin · January 31, 2025

Had the same issue with my 2021 Silverado Custom. Replaced the part number 84990323, about $70 on Amazon, and it fixed it. It’s the ignition and start switch housing. I let it run for a minute and replicated the issue and started pulling apart and reconnecting wire connectors one by one and that one released the key. Hope this helps!

Edited January 31, 2025 by Kris Irwin

Tyler_0172000 · January 31, 2025

2 hours ago, Kris Irwin said:

Had the same issue with my 2021 Silverado Custom. Replaced the part number 84990323, about $70 on Amazon, and it fixed it. It’s the ignition and start switch housing. I let it run for a minute and replicated the issue and started pulling apart and reconnecting wire connectors one by one and that one released the key. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the reply. I was planning to get that and just try since it’s cheap but haven’t had time. I just ordered one and will try that out!

FireMedic466 · February 9, 2025

I've got a 22 2500 sSilverado doing the same.

Eleanor Roulston · February 27, 2025

On 1/30/2025 at 11:20 PM, Tyler_0172000 said:

Thanks for the reply. I was planning to get that and just try since it’s cheap but haven’t had time. I just ordered one and will try that out!

Wondering if that worked - same issue with 2022 Sierra 1500

Tyler_0172000 · February 27, 2025

5 minutes ago, Eleanor Roulston said:

Wondering if that worked - same issue with 2022 Sierra 1500

It did not fix mine. Still have to let the truck sit for about 5 mins before it will let the key out.

GMCustomerService · March 3, 2025

On 2/27/2025 at 1:19 PM, Eleanor Roulston said:

Wondering if that worked - same issue with 2022 Sierra 1500

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