Help!!!! I cant turn my key!!!1

[dfrost32]

I went to start my car after work and i cant turn the key. Steering wheel is loose just the key wont move. i have a 2002 2.4 alero. is this the ignition switch??? Can anyone tell me how to replace it?

[glvee]

I bought my 1999 Alero used, with this same problem. In my case (I don't know if this will work for you) I just have to find the "sweet spot" by slowly inserting the key 95% of the way in, then very slowly (millimeter by millimeter) and trying to turn it as it goes in the rest of the way; if it goes all the way in without turning, I slowly (again, millimeter by millimeter) pull it out, while continually applying pressure to find the right spot where the key will turn and start the car. Hope this works for you.

[mo_86_05]

Im a newbie to all of this, but i have a solution! My wife has a 00 alero and she had the same problem, so i took it to a shop and the guy just took the ignition switch out and filed it down some. He said in time, the switch inside it will wear out and dont want to release, so he just grinded some of the metal down and now it works fine. They say having a heavy keychain (multiple keys or keychains) causes this. Hope it helps.

[xeroinfinity]

The filing is a temp fix, eventualy it'll need replaced.
These switches are cheap plastic and easily wear and or break.

The wieght on your key chain will also cause problems.