1988 Caprice problem with ignition switch

[vinnievv]

Help,

I'm having trouble with the ignition switch. This past week it is getting harder to unlock the steering wheel by trying to turn the key. Even when I move the steering wheel a little while it is locked and at the same time try to turn the car on the ignition switch won't turn. It took me around 15 minutes today to get the key to finally move the switch to turn the car on. Right now I shut the car off in park and I have to make sure that i don't put the key in the locked position. I have to leave the key in the ignition switch and lock all of the doors then i have to use my spare set of keys to open the door if i want to drive the car. I know sooner or later i will forget and turn the key to the locked position. Is it hard to change the ignition switch and does the 88 Caprice have air bags? I appreciate any help you could provide., Thank you,

Vinnie

[jdl]

Are you talking about the lock cylinder or the ignition switch, these are separate issues. My info didn't show an airbag, but, safety is your responsibility.

The info below is for lock cylinder.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by vinnievv

Help,

I'm having trouble with the ignition switch. This past week it is getting harder to unlock the steering wheel by trying to turn the key. Even when I move the steering wheel a little while it is locked and at the same time try to turn the car on the ignition switch won't turn. It took me around 15 minutes today to get the key to finally move the switch to turn the car on. Right now I shut the car off in park and I have to make sure that i don't put the key in the locked position. I have to leave the key in the ignition switch and lock all of the doors then i have to use my spare set of keys to open the door if i want to drive the car. I know sooner or later i will forget and turn the key to the locked position. Is it hard to change the ignition switch and does the 88 Caprice have air bags? I appreciate any help you could provide., Thank you..


Vinnie

the problem you have is , as mention by another member , a lock cylinder issue. the key is required to have sharply cut edges/teeth.. most owners fail to have a new backup key to troubleshoot and make new keys.

using an old worn key will over time damage the lock cylinder.. this may be your problem ..could also be from , just the keys you have , were made by some hardware store with very poor cutters/quality.


the lock smith is the person you need to make a new key for your vehicle. the use of a spray lube to clean out the slot and lube the cylinders may help.Use the straw attachment to blow in the lube. over time dust grime can mess up the lock cylinder...

[vinnievv]

Thank you so much for your replies. I did try both keys and had the same problem but then I sprayed WD-40 as you suggested and I was able to unlock the wheel and start the car

Thank you both for your replies!!!

Vinnie

[jdl]

Good job with the spray.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by vinnievv

Thank you so much for your replies. I did try both keys and had the same problem but then I sprayed WD-40 as you suggested and I was able to unlock the wheel and start the car

Thank you both for your replies!!!

Vinnie

most likely some dirt got to the tumblers..

[vinnievv]

j cat and jdl,

In your opinions do you feel that the tumblers should work o.k. now? The spray fixed the problem and I was able to unlock the steering wheel but I am still hesitant about turning the key again to the locked position. I know I won't know until I try it but wanted your opinions first

Thanks again for both of your help

Vinnie

[inafogg]

Originally Posted by vinnievv

j cat and jdl,

In your opinions do you feel that the tumblers should work o.k. now? The spray fixed the problem and I was able to unlock the steering wheel but I am still hesitant about turning the key again to the locked position. I know I won't know until I try it but wanted your opinions first

Thanks again for both of your help

Vinnie

hey vinnie,like mentioned tumblers were stuck from dirt. u should be ok