Cant Turn The Key

msu33 · June 9, 2009

went to start my 01 sierra, and I could not turn the key. I have been noticing the ignition has been locking up more and more lately, but I have always been able to wiggle it loose. Well now.....I cannot convince it to turn. Anyone ever have this problem? Is there an easy fix?

Thanks

VR021302 · June 9, 2009

have you tried to wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key?

sc4808 · June 9, 2009

Time for a new ignition lock cylinder .

But in the mean time, tilt the steering wheel all the way up and try it, that usually helps.

rodram · June 9, 2009

went to start my 01 sierra, and I could not turn the key. I have been noticing the ignition has been locking up more and more lately, but I have always been able to wiggle it loose. Well now.....I cannot convince it to turn. Anyone ever have this problem? Is there an easy fix?

Thanks

Not sure of the problem with your truck... but whenever I have experienced this in my GM truck or my Impala, it is something to do with the steering wheel lock position. The steering wheel will be locked with the key off, but it still should have a little bit of play back and forth... try turning the steering wheel the little bit it will go, and at the same time try to turn the key...

.... I hope it is not your entire ignition key cylinder pooched... had that happen to me in a Dodge Caravan once....

msu33 · June 9, 2009

have you tried to wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key?

I tried yesterday without success, but I will try that again today and see what happens.

Anyone know what causes this? It's like it slowly got worse over time, and now its completely locked up.

msu33 · June 9, 2009

Thanks guys, I will try all of these tricks when I get home today. How much does an ignition cylinder cost? Can I do it, or do I have to take it to someone?

PhilB · June 9, 2009

Another thought - do you have more than one key for the truck? The key you are using may be worn down to where it isn't working anymore. I bought some extra keys for my truck and had them cut at a dealership. They told me those keys were very soft and that after a while they would wear down and not work anymore. So if you do have another key for your truck, you may want to try that before having the ignition cylinder replaced.

msu33 · June 9, 2009

Another thought - do you have more than one key for the truck? The key you are using may be worn down to where it isn't working anymore. I bought some extra keys for my truck and had them cut at a dealership. They told me those keys were very soft and that after a while they would wear down and not work anymore. So if you do have another key for your truck, you may want to try that before having the ignition cylinder replaced.

Hmm, thats a good thought. I will try that.

msu33 · June 10, 2009

Another thought - do you have more than one key for the truck? The key you are using may be worn down to where it isn't working anymore. I bought some extra keys for my truck and had them cut at a dealership. They told me those keys were very soft and that after a while they would wear down and not work anymore. So if you do have another key for your truck, you may want to try that before having the ignition cylinder replaced.

Hmm, thats a good thought. I will try that.

That is what worked. I took my spare set of keys and the ignition cylinder turned with ease!