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2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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Smultronstallet
New User
Dec 5, 2010, 12:43 PM
Post #1 of 7
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2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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I will preface this by saying I know very little about cars. I know how to jump start a car and change a tire, but that is about it.
Last night (Saturday, 12/4), I drove to a clothing store to do some shopping. My car has had no problems recently, but when I left the store and got in my car, my key would not turn in the ignition. It wouldn't budge at all. I could easily take the key in and out of the ignition. The lights could turn on, so I take it the battery is fine. The steering wheel was not turned at an angle and was locked in place. I checked to see the gear shift was all the way in park, because sometimes when I have a water bottle in the cup holder it won't go all the way forward to park. It was fine. I also tried jiggling the steering wheel, to no avail. I got pretty frustrated and cold (the temperature was 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with an even lower wind chill, and dropping) and tried to move the gear shift into neutral. At first, it wouldn't move. Eventually, I did get it to move, but found I could move it even when my foot wasn't on the brake. I gave up after this and called a friend to drive me home.
I returned to my car this morning and faced the same problems.
Any suggestions? I have to go to work at 2 PM CST and won't get off until nearly 9 PM, so I won't be able to go back out to my car until much later tonight. I do have a AAA membership and was wondering if anyone they might send could help? I am also a bit worried about leaving my car for so long in a strip mall parking lot. I would hate for my car to be towed. Also, I am a broke college student, so it would be a huge financial burden for me to take it to a mechanic.
Thanks!
(This post was edited by Smultronstallet on Dec 5, 2010, 12:53 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 5, 2010, 1:39 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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Sounds like the ignition lock is just worn out and will have to be replaced. Looks like your headed to the mechanic, like it or not.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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medefess
New User
Feb 1, 2013, 2:47 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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(This post was edited by medefess on Feb 1, 2013, 7:20 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 1, 2013, 4:05 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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NO, don't force anything. The shifter is not your problem.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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medefess
New User
Feb 1, 2013, 4:08 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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(This post was edited by medefess on Feb 1, 2013, 7:20 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 1, 2013, 4:11 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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Do it to your own car then. Don't advise anyone to do that on this forum.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 1, 2013, 4:14 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 2000 Chrysler Sebring: Key won't turn in ignition
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Absolutely do not force that shifter or the repair bill will make your head spin. With HT on this, the shifter isn't your issue. The ignition lock cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. I would use your AAA to get it towed in to a shop so you don't get it towed to an impound yard for you. Most any shop can handle this job, it doesn't need to be a dealership. Just make sure they are a reputable shop. I've heard good things from people who subscribe to AngiesList. They let you see reviews of all sorts of businesses in your area from other members who have been there. Might help you steer clear of a bad apple. Just remember that the cheapest mechanic typically costs you the most in the end. A true professional has a lot of overhead and it costs a lot of time and money to get the skills to do the job right the first time. That doesn't come cheaply but it is a fair rate for a good repair.
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