This problem appeared as soon as this car was handed down to me at 130,000 miles. We fixed it at about 160,000 miles, and now it's up to 190,000 and it's still golden!! :) So my dad did this for me but I'd at least like to help lead others in the right direction. I'm a car noob so excuse my ignorance, but this solution is 100% and REALLY WORKS!!! We accessed the area below the shifter and noticed that almost all the wires were snapped (see photo). I believe these are the wires that transmits information to allow what functions are available depending on if the car's in park or drive. Since the wire was snapped, the ignition wasn't aware that the car was in park and wouldn't allow you to remove the key. The reason all these wires were snapped is because they were not long enough, and too much pressure was placed upon them from shifting from park to drive, etc. So what my dad did was solder some type of wire between the original snapped wires to reconnect and lengthen them. Ta-da! All my troubles were solved, easy as that. Yes, you could stick a pen up in the hole to remove them every time, but seriously, this is such an easy, cheap fix. Don't take it into the shop, they won't know what to do (TRUST ME). Just find a handyman to do it for you!! Seriously, it's so easy. There are videos on Youtube that tell you how to access this area and fix it, but they say you need certain parts to do it. You really don't... this is a $0 fix. I hope everyone who has this issue finds this post because THIS IS THE SOLUTION.

Key stuck in ignition when in Park. Paying $500,00+ to fix not option. Looked at possible fixes from others who had problem on this site. Tried ear plug solution to push up button override in steering column,didn't work. Thought of removing steering wheel to try twist tie over button to hold in place but didn't have the time to do. Screw driver option would be annoying. So cut 3 strips of duct tape rolled and folded them up and stuck together, coming from behind steering wheel opening placed in between button and a small plastic column. Has held for a month so far.

I was not able to take the key out of the ignition, thus my battery died. My husband figured out that I can put my finger into the small opening under the steering column and push up on the release and then the key will come out. It is a real pain in the butt when I let someone else use my car, because I don't remember to tell them about it. Also, my biggest concern right now is...I'm having surgery on my thumb and will be in a cast for 5 weeks. How in the heck am I supposed to use my finger to release it with a cast on. Not Good! I've tried to use a pen (when I just had my nails done and didn't want them screwed up, just to get the key out) and I couldn't make it work. I'm in big trouble here. Now what? Any ideas on a way to get the switch to work with a cast on! I totally agree...there should be a recall, seems there are enough of us here complaining about it.

Well, it's nice to know I'm not alone with this complaint! But I'm so frustrated right now I don't know what to do. Usually when the key won't come out I can wait about 30 min., go back and try it and the key will come on out. But yesterday the key just wouldn't budge. Unfortunately I forgot about it and went on to bed. Of course when I remembered this a.m., the battery was already dead. . . .but the key came out!! Then after getting to work it wouldn't come out. Went out about an hour later, but it still won't come out and (of course) the battery is dead again. This problem has progressively gotten worse over the past several months. But what I don't understand, is I guess there's a sensor or something that will re-set (or whatever) after awhile, because usually I can go back and get it out after waiting about 30 min. or so. Although today the above steps haven't worked so far!! Has anyone been to a GM dealer or repair shop where they have offered any solution to this problem?????