2001 L300 Ignition problem...key won't turn

[earthangel_vp]

About a month ago, I was out doing an errand, and when I got in my car to leave, the key would not turn at all. I tried moving the steering wheel, but that didn't work. I tried everything I could think of, and after about 15 minutes I gave up for fear of breaking the key off in the ignition. A friend finally got the thing to turn, and he said it seemed like the key didn't fit. So I went home and got my spare keys and have been using them, as they are newer and not as worn. Well last week, this same thing happened three times. The key will go in, but will not turn. The steering wheel is not locked so I know that is not the problem. And eventually it does turn, so it must be that it is not connecting to something. I know nothing about cars...do you think I need to have my ignition replaced? Either way, what may have caused this?

[HAWG]

you need a new ignition cylinder and key, possibly a housing also. Common problem with a saturn

[earthangel_vp]

Originally Posted by HAWG

you need a new ignition cylinder and key, possibly a housing also. Common problem with a saturn

Great, do I even want to know what that is going to cost me?

[HAWG]

if the cylinder is all that needs to be replaced they run about 85.00 then it will need to be coded and new kew made. if the housing needs to also be replaced it runs about150.00. that does not include labor

[hufhouse]

Before you do that, try this...get a can of choke cleaner at the auto parts store, and also get a can of lubricant called "Tri-Flow". Both of these are spray cans. While you are at the auto parts store, pick up a BLANK Saturn key for your car. (Don't have it ground. Just get the blank.)

Use the choke cleaner and spray it into the ignition. Have a rag ready to catch all the black liquid that will come flowing out the bottom of the ignition column. Really clean the heck out of it. Use the little tube that comes with the can and clean away.

While you are cleaning, use the key blank and push it in and out. This moves all the tumblers to their max point and gets everything moving.

After you think you have the ignition nice and clean, repeat the same process with the Tri-Flow. Spray, put the blank key in and out some. Spray a little more. You don't have to drench it like you did with the choke cleaner, just a little lubrication.

My son's SL2 had this problem, and we did this one time and never had the problem again.

I hope it works for you.