68birdls1

iTrader: (46)

Hey guys, I was wondering what all I should check on a car if the key won't turn in the ignition? The car was in an accident and both airbags were deployed, the car did start afterward however. Then one day when starting the car after all of that the key did not want to come out once turned off. Finally got the key out and now the key will go in and come out but the ignition won't turn.
I am pretty sure that the igntion cylinder is locked up, but what do yall think? And if it is locked up, is there a how-to on replacing it? Or any advice that could be given would be great! Thanks in advance.

Daniel

1999Transamman

iTrader: (18)

I had this happen in a car once when I was in high school, my grandfather, a car guru, brought some graphite powder and put it in the lock cylinder, and stuck the key in and out a couple times, presto the damn thing turned. Might do the trick...

68birdls1

iTrader: (46)

I think I know what you are talking about... lock ease or something like that. Thanks alot bud..
Anybody else have any ideas?

1999Transamman

iTrader: (18)

I dont know if its called lock ease, I know it was just a little tube of graphite powder. I felt like a dumbass after spending 2 hours fumbling with the lock, only to have gramps spend 5 minutes. Oh well you live and learn. If you cant get it, PM me, I can slide your way after work tomorrow.

68birdls1

iTrader: (46)

Thanks for the offer bud I really do appreciate it. But the car is not mine.. It is a car that I am thinking about taking for a partial trade on mine. And I am just writing what the guy told me.
He seems to think that the steering column is broke, does anyone have any ideas on how to check to see if the steering column is broke?!? Thanks alot

VIP1

Check the obvious first. Is the steering wheel locked? If it is, rotate it left/right to unlock the cylinder and turn the key. The wheel will unlock then too.

68birdls1

iTrader: (46)

Well I just talked with the guy who has the car and I guess I misunderstood. I thought he said that it happened after the accident, but apparently it happened when the accident happened. So does this mean that the column is busted? If so, what else other than a column is needed to replace the colmn? I know the key needs to come with it, but anything else? And when the column is replaced and the key and cylnder is different will that appect anything else?
VIP1- Yes sir he did try and rotate the steering wheel, and the car is in park. Do you have any knowledge about the column? Thank you so much

VIP1

The built in lock mechanism is the only thing I can think of. Maybe its damaged or maybe a wire going to it is damaged or a switch is damaged (park switch, wheel lock switch, etc).

68birdls1

iTrader: (46)

So do you think that the best thing to do is just replace the column? And as I asked before, do you know what all needs to replaced with the column? thanks alot

VIP1

I don't know. It sounds a bit extreme if only the lock cylinder is broken. Its possible that there is more damage elsewhere and the column may need to be replaced. Its also possible that its something small like a wire/switch issue or a lock cylinder that was about to break anyway.

68birdls1

iTrader: (46)

All right bud I really apprecaite all the help. I am asking all these questions because I am thinking about taking the car as a partial trade for mine and I am just seeing what all is nec just to get the car to fire up you know. But thanks for all the help man.

VIP1

No offense, but why?
It sounds like a bad trade.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Do you have the same problem with duplicate ignition keys?

The key itself could have been bent in the accident and might be causing the problem - instead of the cylinder/column.