Starter Solenoid Problems of Buick Regal

2000 Buick Regal w/automatic. . . After about 3 yrs intermittent problem "key capture". . . Park, turn off ignition and sometimes cannot remove key and cannot move wheel to locate anti-theft steering wheel lock detent. . . Repeated restart / moving of auto / ignition off . . . Finally releases key !!. . . Loss of electrical power causes steering wheel lock !!!. . . If battery is discharged, attempt at start causes key to be "captured,". . . Cannot be removed without "boost. ". . . The latter indicates essentially faulty design. . . Apparently nobody checked what would happen with dead battery, loss of auto electrical power, or loss of electrical power at steering wheel anti-theft locking system. . . "theft setup". . . Can set door locks and exit vehicle, but "captured key" can be used to start engine and vehicle can be driven away !!!. . Apparently this is no longer a simple mechanical detent, but a solenoid system. . . So-called "fail safe" is in "wrong direction" !!!. . . Ought to fail into non-locking. . . This system is irritating at minimum, but can easily be a terrible safety hazard when vehicle is in motion. . . Dealer maintained "never heard of problem. ". . Past June arrived in fargo, nd for overnight. . . Took dozen restarts / moves / stops before key "released" !!!. . . Local dealer familiar with problem. . . Connector corrosion at shift console. . . Unitized assembly, entire console sub-assembly replacement at $780 !!!. . . Tech "loaded" connector with silicone "ignition grease" to forestall recurrence. . . Don't know extent (years and vehicles) gm is using this system. . . (aside opinion). . . Dealer denial of problem and no issuance of defect warning opens up a potentially hellish legal liability campaign. . .

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