Once the key is placed in switch, its hard to to turn the key in switch

Your Vehicle Has Pass Key 2 Anti Theft System--There Is A Theft Deterrent Relay That Activates Starter (under right side of dash) Most Times Problem Is Found Either In Key--No Or Bad Chip In Key--Or 1 or Both Grey Wires Going To Key Switch Broken Inside Insulation. Check That Someone Has Not Had New Key Made--Non OEM Keys Won't Work--If Not Sure, Take Key To GM Dealer And They Have Key Code Checker. The Only Place To Get New Key Is From Dealer--They Check Code On Old Key And Order One With Same Code-Then Cut To Fit Your Vehicle--When Key Is Inserted Into Switch Signal from Chip Is Sent To Body Control Module Through Small Grey Wires Allowing Relay Activation.
NOTE: If Key Does Not Read And You Don't Have Original One New OEM Key Has To Be Ordered Along with Replacement Body Control Module--They Can Only Be Key Code Programmed ONCE. If Key Checks Out OK --Check 2 Little Grey Wires Going To Key Switch For Breaks--Usually Breaks Inside Insulation--Making It Hard To See--The 2 Wires Flex Every Time Key Switch Is Rotated ---Now Relay Check--4 Wires--1 Yellow--1 Brown 1
Black/Yellow-1 Purple--- Yellow From Key Switch Hot In Start Mode-Brown-Hot In Start Mode (comes Through range switch in console or clutch switch---Black/Yellow To BCM (Relay Ground) Purple To Starter Solinoid When Relay Activated. Now That We Have Covered The Hard Things Let's Start With Basics--Momentarily Bridge Battery Wire To Purple Wire At Starter Solinoid --Starter Should Turn--IF IT DOES NOT--Bad Starter--Bad Starter Solinoid--Or Bad Battery Connections--Or Bad Battery (internal burnt strap)
Save Picture For Reference

I had the same problem with my 2003 Buick Regal ls, the ignition switch needs to be changed. Once replaced the trans will shift better and the electrical systems will appear brighter. It requires special screwdriver bits to remove the plastic around the steering wheel and the switch itself besides that it takes about an hour to replace since everything else is as simple as following wires to two different plugs, one at the ignition and another under the dash to replace it. Make sure the two screws that holds the ignition switch in place are tight or it will be hard to turn the key afterwards.

Hello,

The ignition switch is immediately behind and attached to the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder is where you place the key to start your vehicle. If you are having problems with your vehicle not starting and or turning the key, more than likely you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder. It is common for these to go bad in GM vehicles. To replace the ignition switch of Your car please get these instruments (Flat head screwdriver, Mechanic's gloves, Socket wrench with adapters, Lint-free cloth)and carefully follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal of your Pontiac Grand Am's battery. This will ensure that you avoid the potential of electrocution as well as accidental inflation of the air bag. After disconnecting the battery, wait 15 minutes before performing any work on the car.
2. Remove the three flat head screws from the steering column cover to access the ignition switch assembly. If the covers and interior parts of the steering column are dirty or dusty, try cleaning them with a damp, lint-free cloth.
3. Depress the silver button on the column underneath the ignition switch if your key is still stuck in the lock cylinder. You will need to turn the key to the "Off" position and remove it in order to remove the rest of the ignition switch assembly.
4. Remove the two connection bolts holding the ignition switch assembly into place. Disconnect the electrical connection tab leading to the ignition switch as well as the tab that sits behind the ignition switch once you slide it out from the steering column console.
5. Clip the electrical connection tab to the new ignition switch for your 2004 Pontiac Grand Am and slide the ignition switch into place. You will need to have the new key in the ignition switch as you slide it into place and turned to the "Off" position. Once it matches the exact position of the previous ignition switch, rotate the key to the "On" position, and you should hear a click from a tab that extends from the bottom of the ignition switch and connects with the ignition switch housing on the steering column. Reconnect the electrical connection tab leading to the ignition switch.
6. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and turn your car on to make sure that you have made all of the connections correctly between the steering column and the new ignition switch. Reinstall the steering column panel coverings.

Hope this helps. Thank You for using FixYa!!!

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal on the battery. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers by unscrewing or unclipping them.

2 Remove the steering wheel by lifting off the center cover, disconnecting the horn wire and removing the retaining nut and washer. Make a mark on the steering wheel spline and the wheel itself so you can line it back up precisely. Pull the steering wheel straight back to remove from the shaft.

3 Take off windshield wiper and turn signal switches by pulling them off as you did the steering wheel and disconnect the wiring. Slide the spacer sleeve off of the steering column.

4 Unscrew the ignition switch mounting screws. Pull out the ignition switch. Disconnect the wiring connector from back of the ignition switch. Simply loosen the tabs and pull it out.

5 Insert your key into the ignition. Turn the ignition switch to the locked position. Depress the retaining pin with a small screwdriver and turn the key to the Off position to free the cylinder. Once it is free, turn the key to lock position and remove the key and key cylinder.

6 Install your old key cylinder into the new ignition switch assembly. Make sure the contacts in the cylinder and assembly line up. Reattach wiring to ignition switch, slide it into place, screw in mounting screws and reassemble steering wheel and switches.

YOU HAVE TO PUT NEW KEY IN THE NEW SWITCH.WAIT10 SECONDS TURN KEY ON AND OFF ON AND OFF.WAIT 10 SECONDS.THEN TURN ON AND OFF.FEW MORE TIMES. WAIT UNTIL IMMOBILIZER LEARN NEW KEY AND NEW SWITCH.IF THIS DONT WORK GARAGE HAS TO USE SCAN TOOL REPROGRAM THE NEW KEY AND SWITCH.

Though not reccommended for a novice as major steering column damage may occur. I will give you basic (very basic!) instructions. 


You will need the proper key. I'm not allowed to advise you how without the key.
Buy the new key and switch from your local auto parts store. 
Remove the plastic moldings around the key via the various screws and clips remembering where they go. Once you've accessed the switch there is a black plastic clip around the switch I see in pictures that tells you the switch position, this should pop off as well. The switch will now be open. Locate the gold pin on either the bottom or rear of the switch. Insert the proper key and turn the key to run. Depress the gold pin. If the pin can not be pressed, turn to accessory and try again. While holding down the gold pin, pull outward on the key and the switch will come out of the column with the key. Notice the orientation that it comes out!! 
Hold your new switch in the same orientation and place it's key in and turn to the same position you pulled out the old one (run or accessory). Begin to insert the switch, press the gold pin to click the switch completely back in and notice when it locks in place. 
Test that the new switch turns back and fourth and starts the car. Replace your plastic moldings. 
Congrats, you've just replaced your switch. 

Keep your old key. It works your doors and trunk. Those will have to be rekey'd by a locksmith who has special tools and parts. 

Best of luck.
DO NOT attempt unless 100% comfortable and at your own risk!!

you have to take the steering column cover off and then find the little hole near the ignition tumblers. you put the key in and turn it forward one or two clicks, find a small screw driver and push the little pin in the hole. that is what holds the tumblers in place. the ignition should slide out .

Sometimes you can jiggle the steering wheel left and right really hard while trying to turn the key. To change the ignition switch or tumblers you have to remove the steering wheel. Then remove the pressure plate and turn signal switch then you should see the ignition switch. There is usually a pin that you have to pull to release the switch. If I am missing a step it is due to my failing memory. Once you pull the steering wheel, just keep pulling until you get to the switch. Sorry for lack of instuction, I have fibromyalgia and can't remember much anymore. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

the plastic covers (on the column) come off with just 4 screw in most cases, they are inside holes in the bottom part of the cover, once u get these off u will have to replace the ighnition lock cylinder, a pin inside that cylinder has broken, this is what is keeping it from turning.

you will need to replace the ignition what you do it place the key in the on position and remove the sterring wheel cover and there is a pin you must push in with a pointed odject once you have the pin in just pull the ignition out and place the new one in thats it the new one will snap in to place once it is pushed back in to place