In article
outautos.com>,
says...
> James, I too have a 2003 Saturn Ion and am experiencing problems with the
> ignition. My problem involves the key remaining stuck in the ingition
> after I have turned the car off. Apparently there is a safety feature
> that will not allow you to remove the key from the ignition unless the car
> is in park -- problem is, my car is in park and I still can't get the key
> out of the ignition. I always try to re-park my car and turn my wheels in
> case the position of my wheels is locking up the ignition, but it never
> gets my key out of the ignition. Anyway, I know that my problem is not
> uncommon b/c there is an entire page in my owner's manual explaining what
> to do when you can't get the key out of the ignition. Although I have
> become quite adept at overriding the safety feature when necessarily, I
> would prefer that the problem be taken care of once and for all. I have
> taken my car in to the dealership on three occasions, and am taking it in
> for the fourth time. I've been advised that unless they can duplicate the
> problem while they have my car there, they will not do anything else to fix
> the ignition. All that they have done is replace the ingition housing.
> This is ridiculous. My warranty will expire next year, I'll still be
> having this problem, and it is likely that when I take the car in for this
> ignition problem after the warranty has expired, that is when they will be
> able to "duplicate" the problem and replace the faulty parts, and I'll be
> on the hook for $600 or more. I am very dissatisfied with my Saturn and
> the service provided by Saturn at this time. These Saturns definitely
> have either a manufacturing or design defect with regard to the ignitions.
>

The problem may not be your tumbler but rather the shifter. What in park
trips to let the key out?