2003 Ion Key stuck and won't come out.

[bc007]

I have a 2003 ion with 99k miles. I need help with figuring out what required to be changed for my Car ignition system. The problem is that the key won't make the last turn back to get it out of the ignition cylinder. It seems like I have this problem 50% of the time when I turn ignition off. Engine does get shutoff, but it is the last turn that is the problem. Once the key is stuck, either i have to wiggle quite a bit or start the car again, move few inches and then turn off. I have never found a good workaround. It seems to happen 50% of the time.

I am not sure if this can be fixed by Ignition switch replacement or I need to replace ignition cylinder itself. I have two brand new keys from Saturn, so I don't think it’s a key problem. I had same issue with old key as well.

I did try searching in forum, but almost all I found, people had problem turning engine off itself.

Thanks

[AustinPower]

This hasn't happend to me yet, but check out this thread.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92569

[AustinPower]

Check out this link too.
http://moontaj.com/passlock

[bc007]

OK..I guess I would have to try replacing ignition switch and see if the problem goes away. Thanks for the DIY..

[mathgeek]

I am having the same issue with my '03 ION II. I read something about this problem might be do to the shifter, and that it might have to be replaced.
Anyone have any answers. thanks

[DigitalSaturns]

My key hung up a few times ....... got out my spair key problem solved. Had a new key cut at the dealer and thats been the end of that. Yes it could be the cylinder/tumbler part number 15785084, yes it could be the solenoid asm part number 15793413. In my case it was nothing more then a worn key. Keys are cheap, get a couple new ones.

[mathgeek]

Thanks for the info. I don't believe it is the key, we have 3 and all of them do it. There are only 31,XXX miles on the car, so all three can't be worn. How hard is the solenoid to replace. When you click the button on the shift lever, if you hear a certain click then the key will turn and come out, otherwise if you don't, it won't.

[DigitalSaturns]

Under the console in the shifter area. I never changed one, can't be to tough. Like I tell everyone that has a GM car, get a couple new keys cut by the dealer and trash the old ones. Preventative maintenance if you will.

[mathgeek]

Did you ever replace the ignition switch or the grease? It doesn't happen too often that it doesn't start when its cold, maybe a few times.
Have you ever had the power steering go out. Mine went out once, but its not under the recall. only down to 04 is under recall.
Just curious, thanks

[dottiebug]

I have the same problem. I just had the recall from GM done on my '03 saturn ion. They replaced the switch and ignition lock cylinder. This was not for and did not fix the problem of the key not turning all the way off without reaching underneath and pressing the solenoid plunger which feels like a switch. (They said nothing when replacing the new switch if this ever happened then). I did not inform them of the problem either.

I just found a fairly new video on Youtube that concerns this very problem. Watch the video. Long story short, the shifter micro-switch is not engaging either because of a bad switch or a bad placement fit of the switch to where the plunger of the switch is not being depressed as to close the switch and therefore allow voltage to be applied to the ignition switch solenoid, freeing the cylinder to turn off.

The YouTube video title is "Saturn Ion key ignition stuck wont come out (solved) manual overide & troubleshoot " search for: video # v=xCO-yP7_cDU by Danroxye01

He made a later one to better explain with audio of what he found out
v=A3F8I9xv3nM June 2014