Ignition is locked

momcat21 > wrote:
> We tried three different keys -- none of them work, so it's not a worn key.
> Also tried jiggling the steering wheel -- several attempts -- nothing.
> Looks like we've got to have it towed. Thanks for all the help--wish we
> had an easy answer.

I had this happen to me a few years back on a Ford. The lock had actually
failed and wouldn't turn when I put either of my keys in. (My daily key
was somewhat worn, but my spare was still nearly new.) I just called a
mobile locksmith and he brought a blank key and a file and filed down the
inside of the old lock until it would turn with the blank. Once it turned,
he popped it right out and popped in a new lock cylinder. The whole process
only took a few minutes and wasn't very expensive and I didn't have to
call a tow truck.

-DanD

--
# Dan Duncan (kd4igw) http://pcisys.net/~dand
# Chopped cabbage: it's not just a good idea, it's the slaw!

momcat21 wrote:
> We tried three different keys -- none of them work, so it's not a
worn key.
> Also tried jiggling the steering wheel -- several attempts --
nothing.
> Looks like we've got to have it towed. Thanks for all the help--wish
we
> had an easy answer.

These locks fail constantly. The most common symptom is the key will
get trapped in the ACC position and won't turn either way or come out.
This situation requires a replacement cylinder. If it just won't
turn, I'd suspect a bent tumbler, which would most likely not require a
new cylinder.

Solution:
You should call out a reputable Automotive locksmith to fix the
problem. You save a tow and get back on the road in a flash (if he is
any good). And I guarantee you it will cost less than the dealer or an
unexperienced mechanic.

"momcat21" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
> Drove the car into the parking lot, turned it off, took out the key. Went
> back the next day - key won't turn the ignition. Steering is locked. It's
> like somebody switched keys (impossible since all three keys in the family
> won't turn the ignition). Steering wheel is locked, car in park, can't
> move it.


I have a slightly different issue - the key will not come out. Except for
the very hottest days, my ignition key kas been stuck in the ignition for 7
years. Everything else works fine, I use the key on my key chain to unlock
the door. On the very hottest days of the year the key will wiggle a little
more (or maybe it chirps at me -don't remember exactly) so I give it a
little extra pull and it comes out.

My original cylinder worked fine until I took it in at 35 months to get some
pre end of warranty service. After 4 hours I asked what in the world was
wrong with my poor-still-under-warranty car. They said they were done long
ago but when the pulled it out of the service bay and parked it for me to
pick up the key broke off. So they had to replaced the cylinder with one
that worked fine for about a year. I've had it back to the dealer several
times and told them that the key was stuck but they never suggested doing
anything and I never asked for anything.
Ron 94 SL-1 108,000

"block" > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
>
> momcat21 wrote:
> > We tried three different keys -- none of them work, so it's not a
> worn key.
> > Also tried jiggling the steering wheel -- several attempts --
> nothing.
> > Looks like we've got to have it towed. Thanks for all the help--wish
> we
> > had an easy answer.
>
> These locks fail constantly. The most common symptom is the key will
> get trapped in the ACC position and won't turn either way or come out.
> This situation requires a replacement cylinder. If it just won't
> turn, I'd suspect a bent tumbler, which would most likely not require a
> new cylinder.
>
> Solution:
> You should call out a reputable Automotive locksmith to fix the
> problem. You save a tow and get back on the road in a flash (if he is
> any good). And I guarantee you it will cost less than the dealer or an
> unexperienced mechanic.
>

I do not know if you drive a Standard or an Automatic. If it is an
Automatic, the shifter has to be in park to remove the key. Therefore,
there is an electrical/mechanical interlock that releases the key. If the
switch at the shifter is bad or more likely the wire that sends the signal
is disconnected, then the key will never come out. All of the cables in the
steering column have to be hooked up and properly strain relieved or they
will come apart when the covering is put back on. I know some people in the
Saturn Dealerships are extremely careless about the work they do first hand!

Hope this helps,
Frank 95SL1, 96SW2