YACT (kind of)

[rudeguy]

We have had a couple of these cars where the ignition cylinder sticks and wont turn. Yesterday we had an Alero do the same thing. Anyone else ever run into this problem? I would like some kind of proof for customers so they know its a common problem.

 

[Vette73]

Happened on my first car, 85 Firebird with 150K+. But not on any other cars I have owned.

Not a common problem. A lot can be for peopel that lock the wheel and then have to jam on the lock Cyl. to free, etc... I have only had to replace maybe 5-6 in the last 10years I have worked on cars. And even then the cars all had 100+K on them.

 

[iamwiz82]

I have heard people complain of this when they do not realize that once the wheel locks it must be jiggled a bit to turn the key.

 

[Sluggo]

It happens on a lot of cars. On occasion you just have to crank the wheel really hard to one side or the other to disengage the lock.

 

[xSauronx]

i had it on a grand am of mine and had to have the ignition cylinder or whatever replaced, cost $80 or so if i remember

i have, however, read of people using graphite powder (which you should be able to get at most any auto place) in the ignition and gotten it to work

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
i had it on a grand am of mine and had to have the ignition cylinder or whatever replaced, cost $80 or so if i remember

i have, however, read of people using graphite powder (which you should be able to get at most any auto place) in the ignition and gotten it to work

The graphite powder only works if one of the tumbers is jammed.
Replacing the cylinder is probably the easiest thing to do, Whomever GM gets them from must not manufacutre them well. If you look through the TSBs and recalls you will see several models that have been recalled for them jamming and having the key come out while the car is running

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: Sluggo
It happens on a lot of cars. On occasion you just have to crank the wheel really hard to one side or the other to disengage the lock.

if it were that simple I wouldnt be posting here. My installer could be a mechanic if he wanted to.

Thanks for the advice on the graphite powder, I will pick some up and give it a try next time we have this problem.