Key won't turn ignition in 2002 Suburban

[LAWYER2]

Hi Guys. Long time lurker, first time posting. I've done a comprehensive search on these forums but still don't have a definitive answer. I just recently bought a 2002 Chevy Suburban and the key will not turn the ignition consistently. The original owner said little about it, but simply jiggled the key a couple times and it started when I pointed it out. Ever since, I have not had the same luck. Sometimes it can take up to twenty minutes of turning back n forth to engage. From searching web, it seemed like there have been several similar issues reported, but not that many on here.

Some suggestions were to:

tap ignition with screw-driver a few times

turn the key back, then try turning forward.

Replacing (worn-down) key

Drill and replace ignition

 

Any input before I take her to the Stealership?

[nickvrebel]

either the key or the tumblers are worn out. You can see the key, tell us which one it is....

[LAWYER2]

either the key or the tumblers are worn out. You can see the key, tell us which one it is....

 

 

Yea the key is pretty worn, You think a copy can be cut from this one, or does it need to be coded from dealership?

 

 

[Patch6713]

Well, a copy is exactly that. So if the original is worn, the copy is going to be that bad, or worse.

[LAWYER2]

Thx, So a trip to the dealership, or calling AAA for a locksmith should be the first line of business??

[nickvrebel]

I would talk to the dealers parts counter (or whoever cuts the keys) and explain the delima. You may need to show proof of registration or some other proof of ownership, but yes, I think you need them to make a fresh key from their system, not a copy. It would be the cheapest thing to try first and worse case you have a spare key.

[Duelin]

When you bought the Suburban did you only get one key?

[LAWYER2]

When you bought the Suburban did you only get one key?

 

 

Yup, only got one key. + the damn FOB doesn't work either, but hopefully that's a battery issue. I should have been more thorough :=(

 

 

. . . Also depending on the cost for the dealer to cut a key, I was thinking about just calling Tripple A, last time I lost the keys to my Ram P/U, they came out and cut a new key based on the VIN # for free! (w/ gold membership)

[Duelin]

Depending on the key some of them have to be programed to the vehicle.

[Zembonez]

Thx, So a trip to the dealership, or calling AAA for a locksmith should be the first line of business??

 

 

I had this problem with my 01. It was intermittent but every time it got worse. Eventually I had to call a mobile locksmith out to remove the tumbler and repair it. Never had a problem again.

[LAWYER2]

Thx, So a trip to the dealership, or calling AAA for a locksmith should be the first line of business??

 

 

I had this problem with my 01. It was intermittent but every time it got worse. Eventually I had to call a mobile locksmith out to remove the tumbler and repair it. Never had a problem again.

 

 

 

how much did that run you, if you don't mind me asking?

[sonjaab]

If you have AAA I would use their locksmith! They can either cut a new key and/or replace

the ignition tumbler on the spot usually free with your AAA membership or WAAAY more

reasonable than a visit to the dealer!

[BigBlueLB756]

When this happens to me, it seems some dumb*ss has put the wrong set of keys in my hand.

[brainpause]

Isn't this a known issue on that year/years of trucks? Seems like it, and locksmiths were cheaper than dealerships, according to my memory of previous threads.

[LAWYER2]

Isn't this a known issue on that year/years of trucks? Seems like it, and locksmiths were cheaper than dealerships, according to my memory of previous threads.

 

 

It seemed like an high amount of people having the same issue when I searched. I think calling the AAA locksmith may be the way to go!