Key wont turn

[kolbez87]

my key wont even turn on my camaro, its like im using the wrong key, the steering wheel is locked and the shifter wont move out of parkall the electrical works when i turn on the light and the beep sounds when i put the key in the ignition, it just wont turn, its below freezing right now and i had it running about 20 minutes for the first time in a while about a half hour before this problem arose. any ideas?

[shorod]

Is this a situation where your steering wheel is tight against one of the locks? Try moving your steering wheel in both directions and holding it away from a lock while turning the key.

-Rod

[midnighttowing_mn]

If The Steering Idea didn't work check your fuses as you may have one blown that is tied in with the ignition.

[kolbez87]

we tried wiggling the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key, not sure if its the same or not, but im starting to think it may be a chipped key? and i wouldnt even know where to look for the fuse.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by kolbez87

we tried wiggling the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key, not sure if its the same or not, but im starting to think it may be a chipped key?

A chipped, bent or excessively worn key or lock cylinder) can do this. I take it you do not have a spare??

I would suggest to try a new key first.
If you have the key knock-out (with the key code on it) you can get a new key made.
If the car is not too old, the dealership that sold the car may have the key code, or can get it for you, so a new key can be made.

If none of these things are possible, call a good locksmith. They can replace the lock cylinder and give you 2 new keys.

[shorod]

From your profile, it appears your Camaro is a 1987. That appears to be the first year that VATS was used on some Camaros.

If the resistor "chip" in the key were off, that shouldn't cause the steering wheel to not turn. But, yes, if the key were worn, which GM key's of this era seem prone to, it could cause the key cylinder to not turn. I didn't think about that.

-Rod