Auto repair help? 1997 Jimmy - Key won't turn all the way to off position.

[IamDavid]

Need some help with this POS I bought for an old work truck. It's a 97 Jimmy.

The key won't turn all the way back to the off position so I can't remove the key. It ends up draining the battery all the way down. Then after I jump it, it starts fine and the key/ignition will work fine.
Called the local shop/thief and he says he will charge $300 to replace the starter but wasn't even sure if that was the problem. Said it could be 2 or 3 other things.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: IamDavid
Need some help with this POS I bought for an old work truck. It's a 97 Jimmy.

The key won't turn all the way back to the off position so I can't remove the key. It ends up draining the battery all the way down. Then after I jump it, it starts fine and the key/ignition will work fine. So you can remove the key then? I'm confused.
Called the local shop/thief and he says he will charge $300 to replace the starter but wasn't even sure if that was the problem. Said it could be 2 or 3 other things.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

Is it a manual transmission?

 

[IamDavid]

Nope, automatic.

 

[jagec]

Are you sure it doesn't have some sort of button that you need to push to turn it to Lock? Is the transmission in Park when you turn it off? Maybe you have to push the key in and turn it? Or maybe it's one of those ignitions where if you turn it ALL the way CCW, it's in Acc, not Lock?

And how on earth are you securing a car which has the keys in the ignition 24/7?

 

[d33pt]

Originally posted by: IamDavid
Need some help with this POS I bought for an old work truck. It's a 97 Jimmy.

The key won't turn all the way back to the off position so I can't remove the key. It ends up draining the battery all the way down. Then after I jump it, it starts fine and the key/ignition will work fine.
Called the local shop/thief and he says he will charge $300 to replace the starter but wasn't even sure if that was the problem. Said it could be 2 or 3 other things.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

starter has nothing to do with that problem. you were right about thief. sounds like the ignition switch to me.

 

[NFS4]

A former AT poster sends over this nugget of info:

Its something electrical with the transmission. very common. if he takes it to a shop and tells them he knows there is a TSB out on it, they should be able to find it (just take it to a good shop) its like a $300 fix. something has to be replaced, i forget what exactly. but thats the lowdown that i remember(had the same thing happen to my 98 Jimmy)

 

[Colt45]

POS old work truck? throw on a $3 toggle switch.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Try adjusting the steering column tilt while turning it. There's a good chance that the rod going from the cylinder to the actual switch is getting caught on something. The actual switch is near where the steering column disappears under the dash. (assuming it's the same as the other GM vehicles I worked on...)