key in ignition.....won`t turn.

Hello, Sometimes when I put the key in the ignition it just won`t turn. Two
weeks might go by with no problems and then it happens. I rotate the steering
wheel to
relieve the locking mechanism pressure but still nada. I can put the key in
and out like 50 times and it won`t turn and then on the 51st try it turns. I
have seveal keys to the ignition and when this problem happens it doesn`t
matter which key I try the results are the same. On a different note: I don`t
know if this makes any difference but when ever I turn the car off and leave
the key in the igniton I have to take the key out and put it back in for it to
turn.
Car is a `97 SC2/w 48k miles.
Thanks........Dan.

 

Sounds like you need a new lock. I assume the keys open the doors reliably?
You might try a little WD40 on the key (NOT into the lock) to see if that
helps, but I doubt it will. You could also try some dry spray lubricant on
the lock itself, but I would be aftraid that it might actually make things
worse.
--
Dana C. Rohleder
Port Kent, NY

"Look, if somebody has done some wrong in our military, we'll take care of
it. We got plenty of capability of dealing with justice."
G.W. Bush - Niceville, Fla., Aug. 10, 2004

 

I had that same problem with my 2000 SL2.

Actually had the dealer replace it once, then it started happening again. So
this time instead of taking in to the dealer to get my $$$ stolen, I turned
the key - but with pliers! I figured if it was busted I wasn't going to do
anymore damage.

Well, it fixed the problem. I didn't appear to have broken anything and I
haven't had the problem come back. You might want to give this a try, but at
your own risk!

G/L!

 

Yep, sounds like the lock cylinder. Trust me on this one, get it replaced,
now, don't wait, if it is the lock cylinder, and it does lock up, you (or
the tech) will spend more time then is needed replacing the cylinder I
wouldn't do what David sais, turning the key with a pair of pliers, some
keys tend to break then your in alot of trouble.
i say this becuase you need to have the cylinder turned to the ACC posistion
to remove it. If the cylinder is locked up, you hvae two options, 1 beat it
out, 2 beat it out and replace the housing along with the cylinder.
If your not comfertable doing this, have the dealer do it, but it's not that
difficult of a job to do, if the cylinder turns when you need it to.
Good Luck

Jeremiah

 

I had this problem with my '02 SL and it is still under warrenty. The
problem kept getting worse, so I finally took it in and they replaced the
lock cylinder and gave me new keys.

 

Jeremiah"
Wrote:

I wouldn`t do what David said. Have had too many other cars where the key
breaks off in the ignition just by turning the key by hand. Guess I`m just
unlucky with car keys. I did have a car once that had the key broken off in
the ignition......I put a screw driver with a squared shaft on it in the key
slot and used an adjustable wrench on the square shaft an just forced the
ignition to turn. Didn`t even need a key after that. Could just turn it by
hand.
I wouldn`t recomend this method to anyone though.
I`ll be taking the car to the dealer for a new locking cylinder asap. Of
course they will try to sell me alot of other usless stuff. They: "Oh your
breaks are worn out....air filter is dirty and needs
replacement....etc....etc....
Dan.

 

Get new keys made at the dealer first before replacing the lock cylinder.
Typically keys are made from a softer metal than the hardend steel in the
lock cylinder and will wear first. You need to go to the dealer so the
keys can be made from the key code, otherwise you'd just be making a copy
of a worn key. This happened to both 2001 SL1's I have and took care of
the problem.

 

"micven55"

I did what you advised. Didn`t have to go to the dealer though. I had a key
that was never used......Saturn gave it to me when I bought the car a wallet
key. Had a new key made from it and the ignition is working ok now. Now I think
I know the root problem of the key problem. When I insert the key into the
ignition there is a very rough noise and feeling......like the inerds of the
ignition are cutting the metal off of the key. I did put some lubricant in the
ignition and now the key comes out with a black sludge type material on it.

 

Your troubleshooting comments regarding the use of the "wallet key"
certainly helped solve my ignition key problem. I tried the wallet key
three times and each time the key immediately turned and the engine fired
up. Thanks for the hints. I'm sure you have probably saved me several
hundred dollars now that I do not have to replace the locking meachnism.
traveltom46