Ignition Switch Lockup

[elusivekangaroo]

I have a 99 Intrigue with the 3.5 liter engine. In the last few days the key won't turn unless I wiggle the shift lever (back seems to be the key). Any ideas on causation? Solutions?

Thanks

[Ruley73]

If the key won't turn off, then I'd say you might have a faulty Park/Neutral Safety switch. I'm not sure where it is located but this sounds like it could be your problem.

[elusivekangaroo]

I need to be more clear. The car turns off just fine, it's when I first get in that the key won't rotate. I suspected some sort of faulty switch or sensor, but I did not know what it would be called. If I tap the shifter back against the stop for reverse and then let go, it turns just fine.

Thanks

[joesmith]

Today my 99 Intrigue will not let me turn the ignition key to turn it on or start the car. I tried moving the shift lever from park to reverse (of course it would not let me) and I tried turning the steering wheel. Neither helped me start the car. I was surprised that I could turn the steering wheel - I could do so fully left and fully right with the ignition in the off postion. It seems that before today the steering wheel locked when the ignition is off.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

[paulkramer]

I have had two Intrigues (98, 00) and the steering wheel has never locked on either one. I thought all cars' steering locked until I owned these cars. Don't know if it is a common problem or is designed that way.