Key won't turn in ignition

[grouseman]

My wife is having a problem with her 2005 Aveo. On two random occasions she was not able to turn the key in the ignition. She played with it for a while and then it worked. Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Grouseman

[Blue Bowtie]

If it hasn't already been done, try inverting the key.

It might also be helpful to dust some graphite lubricant into the lock cylinder. Another item which can contribute to this problem is the weight of the key(s) and ring. Keeping ONLY the vehicle key and remote fob on the key ring in the ignition is the recommended practice. Using a key ring with 80 keys, a flashlight, 40 discount cards, a hair dryer, a tool kit, and an MP# player on it can cause accelerated wear and lock cylinder problems. This is also the basis for most of GMs ignition switch recalls.

[DeltaP]

Ain't that the truth.

[Tech II]

sounds like a tumbler problem.....

[grouseman]

Thanks Blue Bowtie. I've dusted it with graphite lube and will see how that works. She only has 5 or 6 keys on the key chain so that shouldn't be the issue. Appreciate the advice.

Grouseman

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by grouseman

Thanks Blue Bowtie. I've dusted it with graphite lube and will see how that works. She only has 5 or 6 keys on the key chain so that shouldn't be the issue. Appreciate the advice.

Grouseman

on a vehicle this old the key points wear down . with the operator working the key to get it to turn then the lock cylinder wears out.

what need be done is using the vin# get new key made at the dealership. always keep a backup key [never used] to make new keys.

this is a very common problem especially when keys are made from old keys.

I do many locks on buildings , and the poorly cut keys are a PITA...

[grouseman]

Thanks J Cat. I'm going to put my key (seldom used) in the glove box of my wife's car. If it happens again she can try my key and if that solves it we will get a new one cut. But hopefully the graphite lube will also help.

Grouseman

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by grouseman

Thanks J Cat. I'm going to put my key (seldom used) in the glove box of my wife's car. If it happens again she can try my key and if that solves it we will get a new one cut. But hopefully the graphite lube will also help.

Grouseman

the graphite does help with lubing the lock cylinder . blowing some air into the cylinder then use the lock lube. dirt does get in these. they do sell spray cans for this if you have no other way to do this. computer electronics stores.. since you have a key seldom used ,make a new key for her from that key.