Ignition switch key problem

[Richard Herman]

Malibu 2003: Sometimes I cannot turn ignition switch from the off position. Is the problem in the lock cylinder or the electrical switch behind the lock cylinder?

 

[waffleironhead]

Most likely the cylinder. Was your car covered under the GM ignition recall?

 

[boomerang]

Does it free up if you move the steering wheel? If you bind up the wheel when parking, it will sometimes do this. I found it was always best to park the car with the wheels pointed straight.

There is a lock plate inside the steering column. When you remove the key, a pawl engages that lock plate. If you park with the wheels turned at an angle the mechanism will bind up. You must turn the steering wheel a bit to free up the mechanism so that the key can be turned. IMO, what you are experiencing is normal. Normal yes, desirable, no. But there is no "fix".

 

[Z15CAM]

I would guess a broken Actuator Cylinder between the Key Lock Cylinder and the Ignition Switch.

They are 3rd Party and built really cheap today.