2002 Chevrolet Impala Ignition Won't Turn

2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA
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JLA74
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The last time I tried to start my impala the ignition switch wouldn't turn. Another thing I noticed was that the steering wheel wasn't locked. Everything was normal the last time I drove it and I have never had any indication of problems with the swich before. I tried both keys and no luck with either. The last time I was messing with it the interior lights started blinking and the dash gauges started clicking. I also noticed the door locks wont work anymore. I think I may have upset the anti theft system or something. Well back to the switch, it is dash mounted. Does it have a connection/locking rod between the steering wheel and switch that might be causing my problem? Thanks for any help.

Jason
Feb 5, 2007 at 6:02 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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If the stering wheel didnt lock then something has gone wrong in the lock-tumbler assembly,probably need to be torn down to find the exact part that has failed
Feb 5, 2007 at 7:57 AM
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JLA74
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I finnally took it to the dealer and they replaced the igition switch and housing and then called and told me the car was done. When my wife got there to pick it up they told her that the battery was low due to the mechanic needing it to be in the run position for an extended period of time so they wanted to charge it for a couple of hours. When she told them that she was going to be driving for an hour or more they finally told her that they were still having problems; mainly that they couldn't get it started again. Now what??
Feb 8, 2007 at 11:58 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Does the steering wheel lock now? Maybe there was more than 1 problem originally. Unfortunatly if the ign switch dodnt turn or operate properly,it has to be fixed before further problems can be diagnosed
Feb 9, 2007 at 1:24 AM

Suggested Repair

Inspect and repair the ignition lock-tumbler assembly so the key turns and the steering wheel lock works. Confirm the replacement switch and housing operate correctly before diagnosing the no-start, blinking lights, clicking gauges, or inoperative door locks.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 Chevrolet Impala would not start because the dash-mounted ignition switch would not turn, and the steering wheel was not locked. Both keys failed, and the interior lights blinked, the gauges clicked, and the door locks stopped working. The expert said the lock-tumbler assembly had likely failed and needed to be disassembled to identify the bad part. After the dealer replaced the ignition switch and housing, the car still would not start. The expert said there may have been more than one problem and that the ignition must operate properly before further diagnosis.

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