key problem with wife's 2002 SL2

lubers · 09-04-2002, 05:12 AM

Ok here we go again, had the wife's car in a couple months ago because her key would not turn, Saturn gave me the run around saying that she was not properly turning her key, that pissed her off big time, guess I complained enough that they replaced the tumblers in the ignition. All was good for about two months,well the car sat in the garage yesterday because of the same problem. Was pissed so I didn't call yesterday,got in the car today and no problem. This is starting to piss us off. Its a brand new car with less than 5000 miles. Anyone have any ideas on what is going on?

wolfman · 09-04-2002, 05:51 AM

Well, at this point maybe it is time to gently suggest to the dealership addressing, (but not fixing) the problem, about your familiarity with your state's lemon laws....

Joeybagodonuts · 09-04-2002, 01:48 PM

lubers, bizzar just posted an interesting fix on anothe rpost that appreantley eliminate the problem totally, bizzr used to work for me and has been with saturn long term, the guy is a whiz, check out his post about the tumblers, if that doesnt work, as wolf suggested, even though its minor i KNOW how annoying numerous trips to the dealer can be and id consider lemon law also.
bizzars tip was pretty neat though, its on a recent thread (yesterday) here in tech talk.

Yobos4vr · 09-04-2002, 04:16 PM

this may sound stupid but it does happen. when the key is in and won't turn try turning the steering wheel. i have seen where the wheel is locked and all the way against the one side of the locked position the key won't turn. but just turning the wheel will let the key turn.

SC2_GT · 09-04-2002, 04:45 PM

Toyota and Honda make there keys lock when the steering wheel is locked and it is all the way to one side of the lock or the other. turn the steering wheel to the center of the lock and try the key that maybe all that it is.

Yobos4vr · 09-04-2002, 04:52 PM

that's what i just said, i've seen it happen on ford's, one lady was stuck in a parking lot of publix and very upset. just showed her what to do and she was very happy.

lubers · 09-05-2002, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yobos4vr

that's what i just said, i've seen it happen on ford's, one lady was stuck in a parking lot of publix and very upset. just showed her what to do and she was very happy.

I put the key in, the steering wheel locks tight, can not move it in either direction. Tried everything I could think of. Going to look for the thread that Joey says is out there. Maybe it will shed some light on this.

**Ssicarman** · 09-05-2002, 05:20 AM

If the pressure from the steering wheel lock is not causing the problem then the entire ignition cylinder housing and ignition cylinder need to be replaced. Our shop has done many of them.