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Re: Ignition key won't turn !?! Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Wed, 20 Jun 2001 12:03:10 In Reply to: Ignition key won't turn !?!, Ross, Wed, 20 Jun 2001 10:06:42 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I'll admit I haven't played with the automatic shifter/key assembly, but I suspect it isn't too far different from the manual.
That switch is probably the lockout that only allows the car to start in Park. I'm pretty sure the key is kept in by a mechanical detent.
If the key doesn't turn, I'd suspect a tumbler has hung up. I had a case where I couldn't remove the key, but could turn it all I wanted (so the car was driveable, and also easily stealable). That was due to a broken spring in the cylinder. The cylinder had to be removed to fix that.
If the key won't turn, I'd try lubrication. If you can remove the key, do so. Then spray the cylinder with some sort of light oil. My preference is the kind of oil that consists of fine teflon particles suspended in a liquid. The liquid evaporates quickly, leaving the Teflon behind. That kind doesn't attract as much dust as standard oil (dust being a problem in the center console), and doesn't conduct electricty like graphite can.
If the key can't be removed, I'd try the old trick of wiggling the shifter. The linkage is mechanical, and something may have just gone a little out of position. Have you moved the engine any? It may have displaced the shifter just a little.
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