2003 Impala - Key won't turn, no previous security lights.

[teqvet]

I've got a 2003 impala I've had since march of 2007. It was previously driven as a company car for my fathers company. It's the 3rd-4th vehicle I've bought via them and have gotten fair use out of, for the money paid. I've never had any issues with it, but today when I went out to start it up to get it warmed up for the wife, when I inserted the key in to the ignition, the key would not turn at all. Gear shifter is locked as it should be and will not allow movement; steering column is locked in place allowing normal movement to a small degree. I have never had any security lights or warnings so the passlock error does not apply to me I am fairly certain. My sister had the exact same model and DID have the passlock system error, and she describes her issues as completely different from mine.

What would cause the key to not turn int he ignition at all? I had a lecture and lab last night and it started fine then and was fine when I got back home. The key is never taken out quickly so I can't imagine anything being damaged as far as that's concerned, but anything is possible I'm sure. I have scoured the web and not found anyone with a similar problem; everyone else seems to be based around the passlock error, but liek I said I don't/didn't have any of the other problems that associate to that issue. Talked to my father about it, who I'd call a 'grease monkey' and he agreees that it's not the same problem as the ones who have passlock errors. He'll be stopping by later to take a look at it and brainstorm with me, but to the best judgment he and I can come up with currently is I may need a new ignition. Possible the gears in the igniton box are locking up or wearing out and they are not turning correctly.

Anyone else have any ideas? thanks.

[Iflylow]

I agree, you most likely do not have a Passlock issue. It sounds like the ignition cylinder itself is locking up. I would try getting a can of compressed air (like is used for cleaning electronics) and blowing the key slot clean. If that doesn't help, try using a new key that is not worn down. You could also wiggle the steering wheel and the gear shift while trying to turn the key.
Let us know how it goes!

[teqvet]

Originally Posted by Iflylow

I agree, you most likely do not have a Passlock issue. It sounds like the ignition cylinder itself is locking up. I would try getting a can of compressed air (like is used for cleaning electronics) and blowing the key slot clean. If that doesn't help, try using a new key that is not worn down. You could also wiggle the steering wheel and the gear shift while trying to turn the key.
Let us know how it goes!

I used 2 different keys of equal wear PLUS using a spare whixh had no use ever prior to today. Did the steering wheel / gear shift maneuver as well. Have not tried using compressed air; will need to pick up some. Father stopped by a bit ago and repeated everything w/ no success. Compressed air then what?

[teqvet]

Solution!!! :

We live in Florida where it is normally quite warm. it got betweem 30-40 the other night, the morning when the ignition locked up. After doing some more researching and reading, father and I came to the conclusion the cold musy have caused some worn parts to lock up in the ignition. Took a light hand tool with a rubber end (plyers, screwdriver, etc) and rapped on the key while in ignition with a decen bit of force. I tried doing it, what I thought was lightly, at first but with no success. I gave it a few good knocks and cranked it and the key moved finally. I'll be going out later to buy a stick of graphite to put in the chamber to make sure the tumblers and everything else don't have problems in the future.