I'm here at work. My coworker just got a call from his wife. She can't start her Trailblazer. Turns key and nothing happens. The key is stuck in the ignition and can't be removed. The key will move and she can unlock the steering column. Nothing happens when she tries to start it.
We've suggested making sure that she is all the way into PARK, trying to start in neutral, turning the steering wheel.
What else can we suggest over the phone?
Happened to me multiple times on my Astro van. I'm betting she has a heavy key chain. It destroys the tumblers in the lock and the whole key mechanism has to be changed out.
We got it out by just fiddling with it a lot (one time it took 2 hours) until it finally released it and allowed it to start. We had to get a locksmith a couple of times.
sounds like fuel pump switch may have been tripped....usually a reset in the rear hatch or passenger footwell
I would guess that the shifter solenoid is broken and the car doesn't know it is in park so it won't start and won't let the key come out. There could be a panel under the column that can be pryed open using a flathead and under that is a button which should allow the key to move fully to the off position and then it can be removed. That way the accessories won't continue to run down the battery until it's fixed.
In reply to Woody:
My company had a fleet of TrailBlazers. This was common. This occurs when the battery is completely dead. Typically when hooked up to jumper cables or to a jump box, something resets and the key will turn.
Good Luck.
Battery is dead. The key will not release until there is a little juice. VW Touraegs are the same way.
ah yes.. another case where making everything electronic is better?
Just curious Woody, did you ever find out what the issue was?
