Key will not turn

Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
I believe that you should remove the lock cylinder and switch as stated in this thread:
https://www.2carpros.com/forum/ignition-steering-wheel-locking-mechanism-etc-vp434696.html
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JULIE519
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
I was mistaken in my last post.

The new ignition switch is in the car. Both the new keys and our original keys will insert and turn, but neither one will start the car. It is our understanding that we may need to code the new ignition switch.
But since the box contained no instructions, we are not sure how to proceed.

Julie
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JULIE519
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
My husband dismantled the console and found the shifter moved freely.

So he removed the ignition assembly from the dash.

Any advice on the most economic source for the replacement parts and do you have any pointers that would be helpful as we proceed?

Thanks,
Julie Olea
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN 1
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,030 POSTS
Here is the relearn procedure: Turn on the ignition, with the engine off.
Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to on (vehicle will not start).
Observe the security telltale, after approximately ten minutes the telltale will turn off.
Turn off the ignition, and wait five seconds.
The vehicle is now ready to relearn the Pass-lock Sensor Data Code and/or passwords on the next ignition switch transition from off to crank.
Important: The vehicle learns the Pass-lock Sensor Data Code and/or password on the next ignition switch transition from off to crank. You must turn the ignition off before attempting to start the vehicle.

Start the engine. The vehicle has now learned the Pass-lock Sensor Data Code and/or password.
With a scan tool, clear any DTC's if needed. History DTC's will self clear after one hundred ignition cycles.
Follow this and post back if it works.
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
You have a response in this thread:
https://www.2carpros.com/forum/ignition-steering-wheel-locking-mechanism-etc-vp434696.html
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JULIE519
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Thank you!

You have been an immense help and we could not have done this without you! I followed your last instructions and the car started with no trouble what so ever. One of the best parts of all is the fact that I used our original key for the automatic coding process so all of the cars locks are still keyed to the same original keys.

I will recommend you highly to all my friends and family.

Thanks again,
Julie A Olea
Upland, California
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN 1
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,030 POSTS
Glad I could help, it is what I do and GM is all I know.
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Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MCOLLINGSWOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Electrical problem
1996 Pontiac Grand Am

intermittently the key will not turn all the way back to the lock position after driving. I am thinking the nuetral safety switch could be the issue but was wanting to get a little feedback before I just replace it without finding out if there is another possibile problem. Thx
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Other culprits would be faulty key, faulty ignition lock cylinder or loose/faulty gear selector cable. Most likely it IS the neutral/park position switch however. You can try a spark key in the ignition. Also lubricate the ignition cylinder with WD40. If this doesn't help, trying pulling the gear lever into PARK very well to ensure it is in the PARK position. If all these do not help then suspect faulty switch.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TCOURTNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Car is locked in park, steering wheel is NOT locked, Key CAN be removed.
No warning, just locked & would not turn.
Key is worn, did not have another handy. Suspect tumblers are messed up.
1999 is a dash mounted, ingition switch assembly.
Tried wiggling steeing wheel - no help
Tried wiggling Shifter - no help
Tried to get to ignition switch assembly by removing radio etc - Do not know the "tricks"; can't get out.
Tried lubricstion switch - no help

Q1) Would getting a new key from the dealer help?
Q2) Can the tumbler assembly be easily removed by a non-locksmith? Would this help?
Q3) Suggestions, removal "tricks", ideas?

Thanks,

Terry
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,753 POSTS
If the key is worn, I would try a new key. I've seen many situations that were similar and that fixed the problem.
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHEEKY CARS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hey im in the same situation myself right now and was wondering if you were able to find a fix for it and if so to point me in the right direction, thanks.
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Cheeky cars,

Unfortunately, this post was from almost ten years ago. I doubt they will respond but hopefully I can help.

Normally, when people don't respond it is because they fixed their issue. Assuming the worn key was the issue, getting a new key would have fixed it for them.

If your key is worn and it doesn't have clean edges and sharp points, then I would get a new one cut and see if that fixes it. If not, then most likely you will need to remove the ignition switch and replace the tumblers inside. Usually, when these do not turn any longer it is because the key is not aligning the tumblers in the cylinder correctly to allow it to turn.

Here is a generic video that shows this. Obviously this is for a door lock but it is the same principal.

https://youtu.be/smIdInCQ-kU

If you need more info, let me know what kind of vehicle you have (year, model, engine) and I will be happy to help.
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hello CHEEKY CARS,

As KASEKENNY1 wrote this is an old post. Please post your question here:
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new
One of our experts will be happy to assist you. Make sure you are logged into the site before clicking on the link.

Thank you for using 2CarPros and a great rest of your day!

Renee
Admin

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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NEVIO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Electrical problem
1996 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 164k miles

Is there a wire or harness I can remove to unlock my key from the tumbler assembly? It will not go to the 0 position. The assembly was recently replaced but continue to have a problem. It used to occur when I parked on a grade but now it wont release at all.
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,753 POSTS
If you can't turn it all the way off, it has nothing to do with wiring. Either the tumbler is bad again or the ignition switch is not working properly.
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 180,000 MILES
Can't turn ignition all the way and key won't come out
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Which position does the key stop at?
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RYANMACE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Try looking in the gear shifter area that is what worked for me I took it all apart and put it back together and it works fine now
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEITH.55
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • PONTIAC GRAND AM
I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am GT, automatic, 137,000 miles on a 3.1 V6, and the key will not come out of the ignition switch at times. It is becoming more frequent. As if the switch will not return to the off position. Any thoughts on this? Thanks, Keith.55
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Thursday, June 20th, 2019 AT 4:50 PM (Merged)

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