Ignition key won't turn
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Pearl Harbor HI
Ignition key won't turn
Hello everyone
For the past two days I've been having difficulty turning the key...it turns to the on position...where all my lights comes on...but it won't turn to the start position. this morning I tried to start the car, and the key won't turn at all. I think I'm finally going to suck it up and take the care to a Chevy dealer and get all the problems worked out...I know owning a corvette can be expensive...but in the end I think it's all worth it. If anyone have any imput...please let me know...thanx
For the past two days I've been having difficulty turning the key...it turns to the on position...where all my lights comes on...but it won't turn to the start position. this morning I tried to start the car, and the key won't turn at all. I think I'm finally going to suck it up and take the care to a Chevy dealer and get all the problems worked out...I know owning a corvette can be expensive...but in the end I think it's all worth it. If anyone have any imput...please let me know...thanx
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Ignition key won't turn (akisana)
If it won't move at all, try jiggling the wheel as you turn the key.
If possible, remove it and get another made at the local Chevy dealer. You may save yourself a more expensive labor charge and a spare key (set) isn't a bad thing to have around.
If possible, remove it and get another made at the local Chevy dealer. You may save yourself a more expensive labor charge and a spare key (set) isn't a bad thing to have around.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: Ignition key won't turn (akisana)
You didn't say what year, engine or trans, so...
My '86 4+3 had a cable running from the shifter to the steering column so that the car would not release (to take out) the key unless it was in Reverse...It seems to me that if this was screwed up, it might not allow the key to turn, either...
...Just a thought... :rolleyes:
My '86 4+3 had a cable running from the shifter to the steering column so that the car would not release (to take out) the key unless it was in Reverse...It seems to me that if this was screwed up, it might not allow the key to turn, either...
...Just a thought... :rolleyes:
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
Re: Ignition key won't turn (akisana)
If you happen to park the car with the wheels turned, this can put pressure on the column and locking pin assembly and make it really difficult to turn the key next time. My POS Jeep does this all the time.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: Ignition key won't turn (Rick Williams)
Maybe you are inside someone else's car! :lol: :lol:
Kidding aside, it has to be that either the key cylinder is defective and needs to be replaced, or your steering lock is stuck and is putting pressure on the key cylinder. I would dismantle the column and see if you can find the problem without forcing it to turn. You might damage something else!
Let us know what you find! :cheers:
Kidding aside, it has to be that either the key cylinder is defective and needs to be replaced, or your steering lock is stuck and is putting pressure on the key cylinder. I would dismantle the column and see if you can find the problem without forcing it to turn. You might damage something else!
Let us know what you find! :cheers:
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Pearl Harbor HI
Re: Ignition key won't turn (Sharky Guam)
Hello everyone
I finally fixed the problem I was having turning my keys to the start position. I took the car to a shop and it turns out the key cylinder lock was the problem, so I had it replaced. it cost me $240 for labor and parts here in hawaii. anyway, the next problem I'm about to deal with is the one I'm having will rough idle and hesitation when accelerating. I hope this doesn't turn out to be an expensive fix. well, everyone enjoy your weekend...I'm about to head out to the club.
I finally fixed the problem I was having turning my keys to the start position. I took the car to a shop and it turns out the key cylinder lock was the problem, so I had it replaced. it cost me $240 for labor and parts here in hawaii. anyway, the next problem I'm about to deal with is the one I'm having will rough idle and hesitation when accelerating. I hope this doesn't turn out to be an expensive fix. well, everyone enjoy your weekend...I'm about to head out to the club.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: Ignition key won't turn (akisana)
That is real steep for replacing a lock cylinder. I have replaced many cylinders on repo and auctioned cars. It takes me less than a half hour to completely dismantle, replace, and reinstall all the parts. The key switch costs less than $30. So the total should be less than a $100 for a key cylinder replacement.
:boxing :(
:boxing :(