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key won't turn in ignition?!
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dhscatcher13
Novice
Sep 10, 2012, 9:24 AM
Post #1 of 18
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key won't turn in ignition?!
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I have a 2001 Malibu. I can put the key into the ignition but the key won't turn. It won't move past the off position. My steering wheel isn't locked and won't lock no matter how I turn It. The gear shift is in the park position and won't shift into any other gear. The break also seems to be much harder to push than normal. I have no idea what is causing this. I recently disconnected the ac panel from the dash to repair the a/c button because it was sticking. After repairing it I started having the problem with the ignition. Any idea what it could be? I do have a security system that came on the car. Maybe that's causing it? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 11:35 AM
Post #2 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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The only things that should prevent the key from turning in the ignition lock is if the key is worn out, the key has the wrong cut, or there is a problem with the lock cylinder itself.
The security system only disables the fuel injection and has nothing to do with being able to rotate the key.
The brake shift interlock system keeps the driver from going out of park without their foot on the brake with the ignition turned on. The interlock system also won't let you remove the ignition key unless the shift lever is in the park position.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 10, 2012, 11:36 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 3:05 PM
Post #3 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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So, you can't turn it on or can't turn it off?
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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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dhscatcher13
Novice
Sep 10, 2012, 3:29 PM
Post #4 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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I can't turn the car on.
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dhscatcher13
Novice
Sep 10, 2012, 3:33 PM
Post #5 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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The key appears to be in good condition. I had cranked it the night before and had a little trouble getting the key to turn. Then next morning is when it wouldn't turn at all. Do you think I will need to change the lock cylinder?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 3:34 PM
Post #6 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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So you can't turn it all the way to lock and remove the key either?
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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.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Sep 10, 2012, 3:35 PM)
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dhscatcher13
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Sep 10, 2012, 3:37 PM
Post #7 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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I can insert and remove the key. It just doesn't turn at all when inserted into the ignition.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:00 PM
Post #8 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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I don't understand how you can say the ignition is going into lock position when you say the steering wheel isn't locking. Is the key currently in the "lock" position?
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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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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:19 PM
Post #9 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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There is no steering wheel lock on those vehicles, so jiggling the steering wheel isn't going to have an effect on a key that doesn't want to turn.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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dhscatcher13
Novice
Sep 10, 2012, 4:25 PM
Post #10 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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The ignition switch is on the dash. Not the column. I was saying that the steering wheel wasn't locked just to clarify that wasn't the reason for the key not turning. I can insert the key into the ignition but it will not turn. It acts just like it would if you were in a vehicle where the steering wheel was locked and you were unable to turn the key. I've tried tapping the switch (this was recommended on another website) to maybe release any part that may have been "stuck". This didn't work. I'm definitely no expert when it comes to things like this so I'm trying to narrow down what the problem could be. I've been told I may need a new locking cylinder, ignition switch, or ignition starter switch. I've only found where all three are sold individually and each are pretty pricey. I was hoping maybe someone knew which part of the three I would need or if none of those wouldn't fix my problem.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:32 PM
Post #11 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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Apparently they don't all have dash mounted locks. This is a tilt wheel for that vehicle.
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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.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Sep 10, 2012, 4:34 PM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:33 PM
Post #12 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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Did you try a spare key if you have one?
If that doesn't work, your probably going to have to replace the lock cylinder and have it coded to your key.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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dhscatcher13
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:53 PM
Post #13 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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Unfortunately I don't have a spare key =( I was debating on going to the dealership and having a key made to see if that would solve my problem or just going ahead and buying a new lock cylinder. Like I said earlier, I'm definitely no expert lol How do I go about having a cylinder lock coded? I've found a few online but I'm not really sure on how to go about everything.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:56 PM
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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If you going to have it coded, i'd let either a locksmith or the dealer do it. The tricky part is trying to get the old lock cylinder out because you have to turn the lock cylinder to the on position to get it out of the housing.
Here is the procedure for getting a seized lock cylinder out:
11. Perform the following procedure if the ignition switch lock cylinder is seized or will not rotate.
11.1.Protect the immediate work area with suitable material such as clean shop towels or a clean fender cover.
11.2.Locate the surface for the lock cylinder release button (2) on the plastic ignition switch housing. Center punch a location on the rib (1) approximately 3/8 inch rearward toward the key entry end from the cylinder release button.
11.3.Carefully drill a pilot hole through the plastic housing with a 1/8-inch drill bit.
11.4.Using a 9/32-inch drill bit, carefully drill a larger hole at the pilot location, and slightly into the surface of the ignition switch lock cylinder to break the release button retaining spring.
11.5.Remove portions of the broken spring from the hole using a small suitable tool.
11.6.Grasp the ignition switch lock cylinder and remove the cylinder from the switch housing.
11.7.Remove any plastic flashing from the drilling operation. Use compressed air to blow out the ignition switch assembly.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 10, 2012, 5:03 PM)
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dhscatcher13
Novice
Sep 10, 2012, 5:01 PM
Post #15 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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I've been told that it would have to be drilled out since the key won't turn to the ON position. It's looking like I am going to have to take it to someone who knows more about what they're doing. I know a little bit about working with cars but I don't think I trust myself with attempting this one lol
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 5:04 PM
Post #16 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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You probably can take the housing with you to a lock smith and they can get it out for you. You don't want to wreck the housing which is big bucks.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 10, 2012, 5:11 PM
Post #17 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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Oops my mistake. It may have to be done in the vehicle because the park lock cable or passlock sensor cable won't come out until the lock cylinder is removed. 
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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dhscatcher13
Novice
Sep 10, 2012, 5:36 PM
Post #18 of 18
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Re: key won't turn in ignition?!
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Well, I'm hoping I can figure something out and save a little money because just thinking about what it will cost makes me sick lol Thanks so much for your help! I really appreciate it. Atleast now I know more about what I'm looking at dealing with.
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