Igniton Help

[Iamchris]

Alright. So a few months ago my key stopped turning in my ignition. Now the key will only go halfway in. Im not a very wealthy person, and I was told I could drill my lock out and start my car with a screwdriver. How easy of a process is this? And do you have any pointers?

[joykill]

dont drill...just go to a salvage yard and ask for the ignition core...then replace...shouldnt cost you more than 20 bucks for the part and to get the key cut at a locksmith shop will run about 5-10 dollars...just drop off the core and they will make you a key...wont work for your doors but wll stay in the ignition...and its very very easy to do the core swap without professional help...pm if you wanna go this route...ill provide better details if needed.

[Iamchris]

You cant get the core out without being able to turn the key to the ACC position. And removing the entire lock casing involves removing the whole interior, I can feel lots of the screws with nothing to put a screwdriver in (The ones that have the allen key broken off in the top). Honestly, the car has 215,000 miles on it and Im just looking to get it started so I can drive to work in the rain and get to band practice and such. Im more interested in going the drilling route, to be honest.

[sLADe781]

I think we're having a similar problem here. Our key just all of a sudden stopped turning and won't move. My dad said we could just pull out the inside part of the ignition (the core I'm assuming) but it won't come out. After reading what Iamchris said, I'm guessing it's because we can't get the key to turn to ACC. Please help guys....we need the car back up asap... Joykill, you have a PM...

[sLADe781]

Iamchris, try this because I just got mine's free. Put the key in, turn the ignition key and wheel at the same time. Even if the wheel's locked just turn it. Hopefully it'll free up for you....report back and let us know what happens. Good luck buddy!!!

[KimMG]

Do you have a different key for the car? Most common problem is worn keys. Try lubricating the lock with some graphite.
Here's the story I always heard at the shop, "I have a hard time unlocking the doors or turning the lock in the column, but my spouse doesn't have a problem." My response let me see your key and your spouse's key, see how worn your key is? If you have a good key, you should be able to get replacement made for less than $5-.