Can't turn key over on 2005 Grand Am

[nativeone28]

My key won't turn when inserted in the iginition. Key will go in, but won't turn? I'm thinking it might be the tumbler? Any suggestions?

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

Did you try turning the steering wheel while trying to turn the key. Sometimes the lock cylinder will jam with the wheel and will not allow the key to turn. If that won't free the key try another key just in case the one you have is damaged. If that doesn't work you will probably need to replace the entire lock cylinder.

[nativeone28]

Thanks for the reply back. I did try turning the steering wheel, but no such luck. Also tried my wifes key and same result, nothing. I was thinking that was going to be the problem. I found a replacement part online, it stated that I would have to get it reprogramed if it was replaced? Would that be the case? Again, thanks for the reply back.

[thephantom1492]

You have what is called "Passlock". I do not know which version your car come with, but you have passlock 2 or 3.

If you have passlock 2, you can do the relearn procedure yourself. very easy, but time consuming. It's a waiting game... (may be suffisent: put key in ignition, turn to run, wait atleast 10 minutes (until the security light stop blinking), turn to off, start the car. There is a 30 minutes version (3 cycles) that may be needed sometime)

If you have the passlock 3, it's a chip in the key, and you need to go to the dealer to have it reprogrammed.

But before that, I'ld try some jigaloo, maybe the ignition is just a bit... dirty/rusty.... Even if WD40 work, it is not recommended because it is said to leave some residue that may get sticky. Also, WD40 is a degreaser... But WD40 is a good deruster and cleaner. Personally, I used WD40 in some lock... 10 years later they still work.

[Tech II]

I believe a 2005 has the lock cylinder in the dash not the column, so no amount of turning the steering wheel will help here....

Phantom you are confusing PassLock with Passkey I, II, III....He has PassLock....

This doesn't usually happen like this.....usually, you have a problem turning the key, that gets progressively worse, to a point where it won't turn....
was this the case, or did it just happen this one time?....the problem usually is the tumblers in the lock cylinder, if you have the same problem with another key.....

Kind of complicated how to do this, but the the PassLock module has to be drilled out, to seperate it from the ignition switch, since the key won't turn.....then you have to know which tumblers to put it the new cylinder, to match your key .....

So I would have it towed to a GM shop(have AAA?), or see if a local locksmith can help you out....otherwise, keep playing with the key(make sure it goes all the way in) and wiggle it...even try some PB Blaster on the key before you insert it....at this point, it can't hurt(I don't usually recommend using lubricants because they just trap dirt on your key in the cylinder)...