99' 2.4L Keys wont turn

[r0b0n1nj4]

So, I went to start my car yesterday and my keys wont turn at all. They slide right in and it dings if my door is open. they just wont turn. i tried my 2nd set of keys, same thing. The steering wheel is not locked to the side either. it moves freely and wont lock. i ripped appart the instrument pannel and tried to remove the tumbler but i cant get the lock cable out of the back of the ignition assembly. My haynes manuel says to remove the electrical plugs, then push a tab to release the cable. i push the tab, it moves a few millimeters and stops. the cable runs to the button on the gear selector and when i push the button, it draws the cable back into the ignition. i cant get the tumbler out to check it without removing the cable.

Could the cable be the problem or could it be the "mechanism" that locks the steering wheel be the problem. im stumped.

my car has 207,000 miles on it and i dont want this weird problem to be the thing that makes me throw my hands up and walk away.

[grfnkl]

Try putting the car into neutral and starting from there. The cable could be the problem... it maybe making the car think it's in a different gear thus not starting. The other possibility is the cylinder itself went bad causing it not to turn.

[xeroinfinity]

Thier is nothing that locks the steering wheel it always will turn.

You lock cylinder is probly the culprit.
Thier is a tech procedure in the Tips and maintenance subforum.....Ignition switch-Lock Cylinder check/replace 99+ Grand am's & some other N-bodies

though sometimes you can "get jiggy with it" and free the tumbler loose and get it to work. My 99 GA GT does this sometimes, I flip the key over and it always works out. It will need replaced though at some point.

hope that helps and Welcome to AF.

[r0b0n1nj4]

thank you guys for your help. the problem was resolved by calling a locksmith and he put the key in and tapped it with the handle of a screwdriver and it immediately was able to turn. the culpret was the locking mechanism behind the tumbler. they wear out and need to be replaced after a while. And you cannot remove the cable from the back of it unless the key is turned to run. unfortunately it was $137 for the plastic harness and $230 for the keys and tumbler.