2001 Alero Key won't turn from the off position

[CINDY72UK]

So I shipped my 2001 Alero with me from WA state to Italy in December when I transferred with the Navy. My car arrived here a month ago, I picked it up from base, drove it home and parked it. The next day I drove it to get gas, drove it home and parked it. I didn't go to drive it again for two weeks, but when I did go to start it up, the key would not turn at all. I have tried all myself, and the people here can think of, to include turning the wheels all the way to each side(wheel does not lock either), WD40 in the ignition, messing around with the gear shift( automatic), to anything else we can think of. Is this a problem of "you need a new ignition", or has someone else seen or heard of this? The big problem is, here in italy, we can't just drop it off at the local Olds dealer...they don't have those here.....Any guidance???

[BNaylor]

To start the Alero does not have a steering wheel lock associated with the ignition switch. So the steering does not lock.

The most likely possibility would be the ignition switch assembly and key release. However, there is a BTSI system where the key cannot be removed until it is in PARK. There is a BTSI solenoid or PARK switch in the shifter that sends a signal to the key release system.

[CINDY72UK]

So any sugestions then?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by CINDY72UK

So any sugestions then?

The two most commons problems on an Alero with key stuck is a defective key lock cylinder (tumbler) at the ignition switch or the cable from the shifter when in PARK. The cable could be stretched, out of adjustment or broken. If you press on the button located on the left hand side of the shift knob you should hear a clicking or clunking sound around the area of the ignition switch as you move the button in and out. If you hear that clicking/clunking then the shift lock cable is probably good and the key lock cylinder is bad. If you do not hear the sound then the problem is the cable or back at the shifter. Good luck!