Ignition -Key wont turn

[DarrenP]

I have a 1997 Grand Am GT, V6 auto with 125,000km.
Out the blue, the key won't turn in the ignition. I check both fuse panels(in car and under hood by battery for blown fuses or something electrical/safety related and found nothing). The car is parked front first in my garage(wheel pointing straight ahead, and up on two floor jack to releave any transmission linkage pressure issues). I called the dealer and they say the key clyinder never wears out in the steering column and I am at a loss for what the problem could be.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Darren

[tightwad]

You key cylinder certainly can wear out, but usually this means the cylinder gets less picky about key position.

How did you get it in the garage? Is the wheel locked? Does the key turn backward, to the accessories position?

The switch is mechanical. Nothing would stop it from turning except the steering wheel lock, unless you have the wrong key. Maybe one of the pins is stuck up inside, causeing it to think the wrong key is inserted. Try turning it without the key inside(wiggling it). Maybe tap on it to try and free up a stuck pin.

[tightwad]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=285422

Someone else had the same problem.

[DarrenP]

Originally Posted by tightwad

You key cylinder certainly can wear out, but usually this means the cylinder gets less picky about key position.

How did you get it in the garage? Is the wheel locked? Does the key turn backward, to the accessories position?

The switch is mechanical. Nothing would stop it from turning except the steering wheel lock, unless you have the wrong key. Maybe one of the pins is stuck up inside, causeing it to think the wrong key is inserted. Try turning it without the key inside(wiggling it). Maybe tap on it to try and free up a stuck pin.

The car was parked in the garage after driving it. The wheel is locked. I have removed the cover on the steering column and have pushed the locking mechanism back, but the key won't turn. I have tried turning it in both directions. I will try some WD40 on the key and see if it frees up a pin.
Thanks
Darren

[DarrenP]

Originally Posted by DarrenP

The car was parked in the garage after driving it. The wheel is locked. I have removed the cover on the steering column and have pushed the locking mechanism back, but the key won't turn. I have tried turning it in both directions. I will try some WD40 on the key and see if it frees up a pin.
Thanks
Darren

I tried tapping on the key mechanism with a rubber tipped hanle of a screw driver after puting some WD40 on the key and working it back and forth in the cylinder and it worked. I will get a new ignition assembly/cylinder if it happens again. I suspect it was either a stuck pin or a piece of dirt in the mechanism. Also, I will blow it out with compressed air.
Thanks a ton tightwad
Darren

[guitarboy8647]

Your ignition solenoid is broken. I've had this exact problem. The piece is about $170 I think and you'll save a ton of money if you replace it yourself.

[tightwad]

Glad to hear you isolated the problem. I suspected dirt or a broken tumbler. Hopefully your model is fairly easy to R&R