Key stuck in ignition

MNM2118.MG

MEMBER
1989 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
4.5L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
63,500 MILES

Drove my car for about a hour after arriving at my destination, I tried to turn my key to the off direction to shut off my engine. My key will not turn forward (will not turn off) it will not come out either cannot pull key out of ignition. I pulled the ignition fuse out and disconnected the battery, put the fuse back in and connect the battery drove back home a hour away drive. After arriving home I turned car the off again by pulling the fuse and unplugging the battery.
Now the next time I attempt to start the car again after I plugged in fuse back in and connect the battery it will not start. It cranks over but will not start. Please help.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,494 POSTS

It sounds like you have a bad ignition switch. It is located under the dash on the side of the column. It's basically a sliding switch that moves with a rod that is pushed/pulled by the ignition cylinder. The contacts inside wear/break and cause problems like this.

It isn't difficult to change.
Basically you disconnect the battery negative terminal.
Then go under the dash and remove the trim panel that hides the underside of the dash (if it has one, some don't)
Then look on the side of the steering column, you will see the dimmer switch and behind/above it the ignition switch.
The switches are both held on with a couple screws. Remove the screws, remove the switches after you disconnect the actuator rods.
Unplug the connector from the ignition switch.
Reverse the process to install the new one.
You will need to turn the key to OFF once you disconnect the switch so the rod lines up when you put the new switch in and allows it to function.
When you reinstall the dimmer switch pus it up so that you remove any slack in the system.

There are 2 available switches, one for tilt wheel, one without. Be sure you get the correct one.

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