1997 Buick Lesabre locked up ignition key

TRIALYAHAHA

MEMBER
1997 BUICK LESABRE

Electrical problem
1997 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 116k miles

I went to turn off my 1997 buick lesabre and the ignition switch was frozen in place. After driving back home, I was able to force the switch to the off position enough to turn the engine off. I disconnected the battery because the switch is still in the run position. I dont think any sand got into the tumblers or anything like that, and I am hoping for a cheap fix as these times are rough. Its like when u have a car that needs u to push a small lever down before u can move the ignitiion switch off, and u forget to push it down, and the switch will not budge. Feels just like that. Ok. Thanks for any advice. Sincerely. Danny

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi:
Don't laugh, but if you can remove the key, try a different one. I have actually experienced keys that have worn out and would no longer work the ignition switch. If that doesn't work, you could try to lubercate the tumbler.

Other than that, you will need to replace the tumbler.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Joe

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Monday, November 3rd, 2008 AT 7:53 PM

TRIALYAHAHA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the advice, Joe, I tried removing the key by jiggling and coaxing, but nooway is it gonna come out (tnt would work) I tried a little lubricant. No help. The dealer wants 280 to fix. Cap has cylinder with key for 43 and then I would need the pass key coded at the dealership. Cap s guess. About 50 to 100 bucks. I can start and turn off the car with a little force. But there are some things that use current when the key is in the run position, ie fans and I think the gas pump, so im thinking of running a light switch in series with the negative ground so I could turn off the battery (so to speak) when the cars not in use. So as the battery will not drain. Thanks Again, any more thought s or advice is appreciatted Sincerely , Dan

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Monday, November 3rd, 2008 AT 10:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Dan:
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend rewiring. You don't need other problems. I wish I could you better news, but the computer (SKIM) will need reprogramed when the key is replaced.

If I can help in the future, let me know.

Good luck,
Joe

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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 AT 9:34 AM

SWEETNUTTIN

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I have a 2000 Regal v6 3800 frt whl drive and same trbl with key.

Mechanic showed me a small cover on bottom of steering housing, over to right side, it pops out and if you put a small screw drive or the ink barrel from a ball point pen in there and push up a little bit it releases the key!

So now I key a pen barrel in the elbow rest on door!

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Sunday, November 9th, 2008 AT 11:43 PM

TRIALYAHAHA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Joe, your right, I will not rewire, I definitely don't need more problems, When I get the extra money, I will have the dealer fix it, For now, I loosen the negative terminal up when the car is sitting.
Thanks for the input, sweetnuttin, I am pretty sure there isnt any panel that's easily removable on the column. But I will check it out. OK Good luck everyone with all you car problems. Sincerely Dan