My ignition lock is messed up. I put the key in and the thing just will not turn. Yesterday, I had to jiggle the key in there for about 20 minutes to get the thing to unlock.

I am pretty sure this is the problem because once it does unlock the car starts fine, so I do not think it is the electric part of the ignition switch.

I did a search and another member had a similar problem. He said he took it in and it cost him about 180 total because of the resistors in the keys. I would like to try and do it myself if I can, has anyone ever done this on their own? If so maybe you could give me some direction.

Thanks
Phil

 

I'm pretty sure the lock cylinder and the switch that senses the resistor pellet are sold as one unit. I had just the switch part fail so I was able to put the right value resistor across it outside the steering column. In your case you are pretty much going to have to replace the lock cylinder. You should be able to use your original key if you get a locksmith to re key the cylinder to your old key. I don't remember exactly but i think a new key cost me about $20 and probably re-elying it would be about the same price.

 

to do it you are going to have to remove the air bag BE CAREFUL make sure to follow the disarming instructions i did mine and it was scary as hell especially putting the bag back on and reconnecting it because static electricity can set that thing off. but the lock cylinder once you get past all the retainers and crap is not hard to replace

 

You are going to have to do some investigating to see where it is hanging up. It still could be in the switch (electrical part).

 

Does anybody have any part numbers for the stuff I need to replace?

Phil

 

culd also be the solinoid from the shifter that locks it try wiggling the shifter back and forth and see if it gives anither thing that happened to mine is that coke gets spilled into the shift from turning over and will gum up the rod that controls that and if it doesnt move it will keep it from unlocking see if that part is gummed upo with spilled drinks

 

I don't think anyone knows yet what you need to replace.

 

Yea I tried wiggling the shifter yesterday when I was sitting there for 20 minutes, didn't work.

I believe it is the ignition lock because the whole thing just doesn't feel right. Plus I have had problems with my radio shutting off http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...hreadid=156089

 

just for gp open your console and see if the rod from the soliniod is actuating i replaced my lock cylinder and that wasnt the prob it was that rod gummed up from 8 years of spilling drinks on it through the console

 

If you separate the rod from the ignition switch, then you should be able to tell which direction the problem is. If it works smoothly with the switch disconnected, then your switch is the problem. If not, the ignition key cylinder or the rack/sector in the steering column is damaged.

I would put my money on the switch.