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Casper
10-10-2010, 09:11 PM
Lately every now and then the key wouldnt turn in the ignition, but after 2 or 3 tries it would (and not due to steering wheel being locked) but today when i met up with some friends to do a photoshoot, we were about to leave and the ignition fully locked. Tried 3 different keys, moving the steering wheel all over the place (up and down, side to side), jiggling the key and something to do with lock and unlock on the remote, and disconnecting the battery for 10 seconds, to no avail, so its been towed for the first time since i got it :(

Any ideas what the problem could be? Have heard bad ignition cylinder and possibly a faulty steering wheel lock sensor.
Cashdollar2009
10-10-2010, 09:20 PM
Mine does this occasionally. Typically I can just pull the key and then jam it back in and it turns. Sorry about the tow though. :/
Chris2000
10-10-2010, 09:27 PM
Well if you want to try swapping the ignition cylinder I have one and a key for it. Let me know as I have lots of extra stuff laying around that my dad wants out of the garage :lol: .
cherrington17
10-10-2010, 09:44 PM
have you done anything in the center console lately?

try pulling the shift bezel up just a little (like a millimeter) at the edge where it meets teh radio bezel. I had a problem where mine kept locking, come to find out the shift bezel was hitting something in there, which wasn't allowing it to disengage the shifter into park, which wasn't allowing my key to release.

its a little metal wire with a cylinder fitting... on the left side.
Casper
10-10-2010, 10:22 PM
have you done anything in the center console lately?

try pulling the shift bezel up just a little (like a millimeter) at the edge where it meets teh radio bezel. I had a problem where mine kept locking, come to find out the shift bezel was hitting something in there, which wasn't allowing it to disengage the shifter into park, which wasn't allowing my key to release.

its a little metal wire with a cylinder fitting... on the left side.

Haven't done a single thing lately to the interior or engine of the car, and my car is manual if that makes any difference, and mines the opposite of your problem, my key wont budge from the off position (my car was parked in a shitty neighbourhood with the windows and sunroof open lol, hence the towing)

Mine does this occasionally. Typically I can just pull the key and then jam it back in and it turns. Sorry about the tow though. :/

Thats exactly what mine did, it worked fine all day today then suddenly locked up for good lol
Thewolf
10-11-2010, 02:03 AM
Mine does the same thing, expect it won't turn on sometimes.

You can try the scrapyard, here's a good one.
http://www.cookstownauto.com/ You could probably pull the other parts for free. :)
Casper
10-11-2010, 03:03 AM
Mine does the same thing, expect it won't turn on sometimes.

You can try the scrapyard, here's a good one.
http://www.cookstownauto.com/ You could probably pull the other parts for free. :)

But what parts do I actually need? I really shouldnt be reading this after coming home from the club i work at (free drinks!) but i want to figure it out :(

Cookstown is known to overprice most of their stuff
cherrington17
10-11-2010, 10:39 AM
Haven't done a single thing lately to the interior or engine of the car, and my car is manual if that makes any difference, and mines the opposite of your problem, my key wont budge from the off position (my car was parked in a shitty neighbourhood with the windows and sunroof open lol, hence the towing)



Thats exactly what mine did, it worked fine all day today then suddenly locked up for good lol

hmm. mines auto... so its gotta be the ig. cylinder then. the key is probably getting worn, and not hitting the tumblers just right.
Casper
10-11-2010, 02:35 PM
hmm. mines auto... so its gotta be the ig. cylinder then. the key is probably getting worn, and not hitting the tumblers just right.

Tried 3 different keys, one being basically brand new
cherrington17
10-11-2010, 02:46 PM
cylinder worn out?
Casper
10-11-2010, 03:17 PM
cylinder worn out?

I would assume, since i've had the car i've been able to pull the key out despite what position the ignition is in. To change the cylinder do I need to take off the dash? would be a good time to fix the ripples if so.. lol
cherrington17
10-11-2010, 04:10 PM
no idea. I'm not the guy to ask that question. :lol:

someone will chime in soon though
Thewolf
10-11-2010, 04:34 PM
But what parts do I actually need? I really shouldnt be reading this after coming home from the club i work at (free drinks!) but i want to figure it out :(

Cookstown is known to overprice most of their stuff

Any other parts for your Alero.
colonel6632
10-12-2010, 12:09 AM
when ignition cylinder does this also. try while the key is in, pull the key down towards the floor while you turn and wiggle, thats how i start my car lol
Casper
10-12-2010, 12:47 AM
when ignition cylinder does this also. try while the key is in, pull the key down towards the floor while you turn and wiggle, thats how i start my car lol

Tried that, But i just thought of the fact that since my Battery has been disconnected since my last possible start up, even if i did successfully install a push start, it won't start because of that..

Seems like im just stuck getting a new ignition...