Key wont turn

[kolbez87]

so i went and started my 87 LT camaro, it ran for about 20 to 30 minutes then i shut it off, i came back about 30 mins later to start it and the key wouldnt turn(felt like i had the wrong key) and the steering wheel was locked(no big deal), i tried to shift it out of park while it was off still but the shifter was stuck as well, anyone know whats up?.....things to consider: its an automatic 305, im in alaska and its below freezing, im told that when it ran the first time it may have heated up and melted some of the new snow and the water may have gotten into the ignition system and refroze

[Morley]

Well, if the key won't turn then the shifter won't move from park either, it's not supposed to.
It is possible that you had a lot of condensation in the car when it was shut down last time and it froze in the ignition lock...But let me just say.. I was stationed in N.D. for 3.5 years where the temps would regularly get below minus 50 and I'd never heard of anyone's ignition lock freezing up. Even after it'd rain then freeze solid on the cars they never had a problem turning the ignition key.

[wrightz28]

3rd gen linkage rods are notorious for bending

[iroc343]

Work the steering wheel back and forth when trying to turn the key. Sometimes if the wheels are turned all the way one way or the other the column lock can bind the ignition tumbler.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by iroc343

Work the steering wheel back and forth when trying to turn the key. Sometimes if the wheels are turned all the way one way or the other the column lock can bind the ignition tumbler.

Quite true, forget my own rule: K.I.S.S., keep it simple stupid I had a corolla that was very finicky like that.