key wont turn

hi i have a 03 impala that i went to change the stereo

i undid all the screws and removed the dash panel but then went to turn the key on to put the windows down and the key wouldnt turn on, i wiggled the shifter and wiggled the steering wheel but still wouldnt turn, i have tried the hammer trick, wd40 and still nothing

does anyone know what would have caused this to happen and how to fix it

hi i have a 03 impala that i went to change the stereo

i undid all the screws and removed the dash panel but then went to turn the key on to put the windows down and the key wouldnt turn on, i wiggled the shifter and wiggled the steering wheel but still wouldnt turn, i have tried the hammer trick, wd40 and still nothing

does anyone know what would have caused this to happen and how to fix it

I do not see how removal of the dash panel for radio access would cause the ignition lock not to work..

get a new key. use your vin# if necessary to make a new key if you have no backup new key, which you should have anyway.

ya i dont know what happened but somehow the tumbler stop working the dealer wanted just over 500 for the parts and said labour would be about 500 so a grand to fix it so i looked into it more and they wanted to replace the passcode 2 system aswell as the tumbler so i went to the wreckers and got a full ignition with the passcode system for 10 bucks took 20 min to install it and another 30 min to reprogram the passcode system and works great now better then it was before

ya i dont know what happened but somehow the tumbler stop working the dealer wanted just over 500 for the parts and said labour would be about 500 so a grand to fix it so i looked into it more and they wanted to replace the passcode 2 system aswell as the tumbler so i went to the wreckers and got a full ignition with the passcode system for 10 bucks took 20 min to install it and another 30 min to reprogram the passcode system and works great now better then it was before


most owners use worn out keys...they keep working the key back and forth until it turns to start...this is bad...thats why you must have a backup key that is never used as the master to make copies..also to troubleshoot..

the lock smith would be the person to use to address any lock cylinder issues if the owner does not have this ability/knowledge..this is much cheaper..

so the dealership wanted 1,ooo.oo to repair , well thanks for that info !

the scrap yard has saved me much money over the years also ,,,,, good luck .

I had a similar problem. Mine was in the interlock between the shift lever and the ignition switch. Take the handle off the shift lever(small c-shaped retaining clip that should push to the rear of the car), then the leather (?) boot, then the plastic trim around the shift lever. there is a plunger and a cable down inside the tunnel for the tranny. Try playing with that. My shade-tree mechanic helped me. That switch was faulty. It is about a 20 minute disassembly for a novice mechanic.