When I got to work today and turned the car off the doors would not lock and the beeping/warning indicator would not go off (the warning that goes off if your lights are still on). Anyway I fidgeted for a while turning the car on and off 2-3 times and it went off. Does this indicate anything wrong with my car? I've had very few problems with the car except a new battery recently.

Thanks,
PG

 

There is an electric switch in the ignition lock assembly. This is the Key In switch. It is operated when the key is inserted into the lock.

The symptoms you report are consistent with a stuck or defective Key In switch. The car "thinks" the key is still in the ignition lock, even though the key is in your pocket.

If you are lucky the switch is sticking. You may be able to free it up with a spray of plastic-safe tuner cleaner or some similar solvent. I like WD-40 and use it for many purposes, but it is not the right product for this job. WD-40 gets gummy after a while and that is exactly what you don't want in this situation.

If you are unlucky the switch is defective and must be replaced.

 

I just tried my key into the ignition lock on my 96 GXE. It deos not require the key all the way in to start beeping. When the key tip goes in a little the beep starts.

 

You are right. I am wrong. I will edit my earlier post to make it correct. Thank you!

 

This happened to me when I forgot to take the keys outta the ignition. Don't worry nothin's wrong w/ your car !!!!

 

I tried something a little further.
If the key is in the ignition slot, and the drive opens the door and gets out, the door lock can't be activated; you'll hear it locks and immediately unlocks. It's a good feature. However I cheated the car by (1)leaving the key in ignition; (2)pressing the B pillar mounted push switch (rubber boot coved); (3)meanwhile switched the lock switch to "lock". My 96 GXE thought the door was closed and the driver was "outside" with the key, and it kept the door latch in "locking". Then I let go of the B pillar switch, and the car does not know I was cheating. Of course this situation will probably never happen.
Sorry if I did not describe it clearly.