ignition locked up

[heston]

Well this has happened before a few times, but today was really bad.
I go to start my car and the key wont turn. It stays in the locked position. I've tried the little things like holding the wheel to one side as you turn it and what not, but I think it might be a problem with the ignition. A friend of mine has a newer cavalier and it does the same thing. mine is a 1990.

Just wondering if this has happened to anyone else or if anyone has any advice. Thanks
God bless

-Shawn

[Nitrous_Boy]

Replace the tumblers. I think they are cheap on cavalier's not sure. Just have to pull the steering wheel and then you will also have brand new keys. Or if you want to do it the cheap way just punch the dead center of the steering wheel and call it about 10 four letter words. then it should start fine

[Classicrocjunkie]

Is your key bent at all? I know on my car it is really pickey on what key it likes. I have 3 spares and only the original key from the car works like a swiss watch. When i use one of the others it takes a little figeting to get it to work. They were even laser cut from the dealership and yet still are weird. Might try a new key maybe?

[heston]

ya, the key I have now is a new one. It didnt look bent, I checked that out already.

[demay1966]

Check linkage to steering column from transmission. If it has tilt steering, check for movement. if so steering column needs reassemble.

[TonyP]

Had this happen once under waranty. Car was towed to the dealer who replaced the ignition.