problem key slot

maxxm · 09-02-2009, 07:22 PM

i have a ninety eight chevy malibu. when i insert the key and try to start the engine it does not turn . the door chimes but the key simply does not turn

lincoln_ls · 09-02-2009, 09:41 PM

this has happened to me in my sisters sentra, maybe get a new key cut or just get a whole new ignition all together, you can go to a junk yard and rip out the ignition out of the same car. the junk yard should have the keys for it. should only run you about 50$ then take it to your local mechanic or a gm dealership and they can install it for you.

**pat mcgroin** · 09-03-2009, 08:18 AM

Are the wheels turned at a sharp angle?
If so it may be in a bind.
Try to turn the wheel in both directions while turning the key.
It may pop loose.
Dont break the key.

**SABL** · 09-05-2009, 07:43 AM

I'm gonna go with Pat's advice.

The ignition switches on a few of my vehicles are so worn that the key can be removed with the ign in the on position. Not only does the key wear but also the wafers that 'read' the key and in time any key that is 'close' to the original will work.

If the steering wheel is locked with any bind caused by the wheels trying to return to a neutral posture you will not be able to turn the key. The wheels don't even have to be at a sharp angle.... they just need to be putting pressure on the locking mechanism in the column. The steering wheel will be 'rock solid' when trying to turn it in one direction and that is the 'stop' it is hanging on......turn it the opposite way (might have to use some effort) and the key should turn.

I use the column lock to hold the wheels at an extreme angle when doing servicing on my vehicles and if I don't counteract the pressure against the locking mechanism, the key will NOT turn.

09-02-2009, 07:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
maxxm Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1 OS: xp	problem key slot i have a ninety eight chevy malibu. when i insert the key and try to start the engine it does not turn . the door chimes but the key simply does not turn

09-02-2009, 09:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
lincoln_ls Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 5 OS: windows xp service pack 3	Re: problem key slot this has happened to me in my sisters sentra, maybe get a new key cut or just get a whole new ignition all together, you can go to a junk yard and rip out the ignition out of the same car. the junk yard should have the keys for it. should only run you about 50$ then take it to your local mechanic or a gm dealership and they can install it for you.

09-03-2009, 08:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
pat mcgroin TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toledo Oh. Posts: 633 OS: XP Professional SP2 Vista Ultimate SP2	Re: problem key slot Are the wheels turned at a sharp angle? If so it may be in a bind. Try to turn the wheel in both directions while turning the key. It may pop loose. Dont break the key.

09-05-2009, 07:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
SABL Moderator Relaxation Room Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 1,334 OS: WinXP SP3	Re: problem key slot I'm gonna go with Pat's advice. The ignition switches on a few of my vehicles are so worn that the key can be removed with the ign in the on position. Not only does the key wear but also the wafers that 'read' the key and in time any key that is 'close' to the original will work. If the steering wheel is locked with any bind caused by the wheels trying to return to a neutral posture you will not be able to turn the key. The wheels don't even have to be at a sharp angle.... they just need to be putting pressure on the locking mechanism in the column. The steering wheel will be 'rock solid' when trying to turn it in one direction and that is the 'stop' it is hanging on......turn it the opposite way (might have to use some effort) and the key should turn. I use the column lock to hold the wheels at an extreme angle when doing servicing on my vehicles and if I don't counteract the pressure against the locking mechanism, the key will NOT turn. __________________ It's a good thing I never had any sanity. I would have lost it by now.