Need some help/advice [auto related]

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need some help/advice [auto related]

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:24:31 PM EDT

OK,I'm real frustriated right now,my car won't start,not due to anything mechanical though,I cant get the key to turn in the ignition.I've tried everything & it just won't budge.Here's a little background,The past few days 80% of the time when I go to turn the car off I can't get the key out of the ignition,I fiddle with it & it comes out a few minutes later,I feel the [for lack of a better word] "barrel" of the ignition slide every time I insert the key I made an appt with the shop I have all of my work done at tomorrow [Friday] morning, but I don't think I'll be able to get it there.Any suggestions??
I'm an @sshair away from takeing a 12 gauge to it.Any help would be MUCH appreciated.Thanks,Mick.

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:27:46 PM EDT

[#1]

Move the steering wheel from side to side as you try to turn the key.

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:30:03 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Move the steering wheel from side to side as you try to turn the key.

this

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:48:19 PM EDT

[#3]

That's the 1st thing I tried.I'm familiar with this problem,however the feeling I get tells me that there is something different going on.Thanks anyway.

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:49:26 PM EDT

[#4]

What kind of car first off?

My guess would be the ignition cylinder needs to be rekeyed.

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:51:31 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:

....

car won't start

....

make/model/.....

and VIN number (just kidding)

:}

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:56:08 PM EDT

[#6]

It's a Pontiac Grand Prix.
It turned on/off without any hiccups all day today which was a huge surprise.I just want to get it working so that I can get it to the shop tomorrow.

Posted: 6/5/2008 6:59:04 PM EDT

[#7]

Can someone tell me how to hotwire it?

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:02:11 PM EDT

[#8]

try spraying some clp or wd40 on the key and into the slot. then insert the key and work it around. It sounds like the tumbler pins are hung up or broken. the lube may loosen it up a bit and free it up.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:03:05 PM EDT

[#9]

Have you tried a spare key?

Also bang on the collum while you try to turn the key, this will shake the tumblers some if they are hanging up.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:05:33 PM EDT

[#10]

Yeah the spare key is in like new condition & it doesn't help at all.I'm gonna go out right now & try the WD40.Wish me luck.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:18:19 PM EDT

[#11]

No luck,I have no idea how I'm gonna fix this.I really don't wanna call a tow truck.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:25:04 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
try spraying some clp or wd40 on the key and into the slot. then insert the key and work it around. It sounds like the tumbler pins are hung up or broken. the lube may loosen it up a bit and free it up.

Sounds like it could be this, or the tumbler pins have fallen out. This has happened to me before. When the guy at the shop tool it out, it fell completely apart. If this is the case, someday you'll go to start the car and your key won't turn at all.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:28:43 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Sounds like it could be this, or the tumbler pins have fallen out. This has happened to me before. When the guy at the shop tool it out, it fell completely apart. If this is the case, someday you'll go to start the car and your key won't turn at all.

Sinking feeling in Stomach!!!!!

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:33:25 PM EDT

[#14]

Listen, nobody likes to pay for a tow, but it is the cheapest way to move a car without damage or endangering others on the road. and your insuarnce may reimburse you

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:34:49 PM EDT

[#15]

So being able to hotwire is a skill we need!!!

Good luck man.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:37:14 PM EDT

[#16]

For future reference.

Don't use wd-40 on locks.

Get a small tube of graphite.(sold at any auto parts store)

It can make a mess but it will keep locks from freezing up.

sorry I can't help you with your present problem,others here have already said it.

You're going to have to get the assembly fixed.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:37:43 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Sounds like it could be this, or the tumbler pins have fallen out. This has happened to me before. When the guy at the shop tool it out, it fell completely apart. If this is the case, someday you'll go to start the car and your key won't turn at all.

Sinking feeling in Stomach!!!!!

My upset stomach wouldn't have been nearly as bad if I would have just had it replaced when WD-40 etc. didn't seem to help. Instead, Tater's cheap ass got to pay for a tow AND a new ignition tumbler.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:39:12 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
Have you tried a spare key?

Also bang on the collum while you try to turn the key, this will shake the tumblers some if they are hanging up.

This is the first thing we try after they are towed in.

Posted: 6/5/2008 7:42:49 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Can someone tell me how to hotwire it?

OK take off the cover to the steering column, other side of the key should be a black circle looking box 2-3 screws, unscrew take screw drive (Flathead) insert and turn...........car should start right up..........hammer and screw driver I could start a car in under 20 secs............but that was 10+ years ago
but if the steering wheel is locked that's a different story

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need some help/advice [auto related]

General » General Discussion

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us