I think my Ignition Cylinder locked up. Need some help.

Went out to get in the Buick and the darn thing wont start. The key turns on so all the accessories work, but it wont budge past that to let me start the car. I have tried all the little tricks i found on the net such as wiggling the key, tapping on it, moving the wheel, spare key, etc.


I just cant believe that it would be fine all this time, and just go out completely.

I am not familiar at all with the guts of the steering column. Right now i think i should just change out the key cylinder, looks like a pain in the butt.

This is my daily driver at 140 miles/day. It has 220,000 on it and i would like to get 300,000 out of her. I would not mind using a screwdriver to start it, but i dont know how that works either.

Just though i'd stop by the boards for some advise before i tackle this project. My projects usually take a wrong turn, and i always seem to jack something up. Any help is appreciated.

First post the year of the car.

Ya, that might help huh.

It's a 90 Lesabre.

I just started it at the solenoid to get it in the garage.

I pulled the trim off by the tilt and turn signal, and notice a small metal rod that runs down my steering column (about 1/8 in diameter). I am wondering if that broke loose as it is not connected to anything up by the key cylinder???

Check info for the ign switch and set up at autozone.com, repair guides.

Just got the key cylinder and ignition switch from Autozone. I'm hoping it is just the key cylinder so i can take the switch back, but i'm sure it won't be that easy.


Going to dig into it tonight. If things go as normal, i'll be jumping the Old Buick at the solenoid for the rest of it's life.

The key cylinder Autozone gave me does not fit. It is the right part #, but the ridge on the key cylinder is too big to slide into the slot in the collar. Gonna try to get the right one in the morning.


As for the Ignition Switch, when i turn the key the headlights do not dim at all. Going to borrow a volt meter in the A.M. and check the ignition switch at the starter.

The Ignition Switch looks like a pain. I think i am going to have to drop the column to get it changed. My cheap manual does not show anything about the Ignition Switch.

I am also wondering if there is anything between the Ignition Switch and the Starter that would prevent it from starting, such as a relay or something?

Check the ign switch at the bottom of the column and the neutral switch before fooling with the key cyl.

Alright, i changed out the Ignition Switch that is mounted to the column and still nothing.


Took the Safety/Neutral Switch off and cleaned it up. The contacts were nasty. Still nothing.


The only wire leading into the Neutral Switch that has any juice is the blue wire. Blue has juice only when the key is turned on.


I guess i need to know what wires should have power coming into the switch before i replace the $75 Safety/Neutral Switch.


If i don't have power coming into the switch, then i am getting ahead of myself.

Check the wiring diagrams at autozone.com, repair guides.

Looks like the blue going to the Neutral Switch is coming from a fuse and yellow is hot coming from Ignition Switch to Starter Relay, then to the Neutral Safety Switch.

I could not find a Starter relay in "Parts" at autozone.

Well, since i'm only talking to myself i will keep this short. Finally found that the Ignition Rod must have bent or something. Could not find the sweet spot for full range of Ignition Switch. Wanted to make sure i had a full pull on the Switch, so i bent the rod and now have a good pull, but no reverse on the key. Not a problem for me.


I had ran wire and cut a hole down low for a push button start when figured this out.