Key won't turn...

[cbeaudry]

1991 Q. 137,000 Miles. St. Louis, MO.

I drove the car this morning, never had any problems of this sort before.

I was going somewhere this afternoon, put the key in the ignition and the damn thing just won't change position. The steering wheel does its automatic adjustments when I put the key in but the key just won't go anywhere. I tried wiggling, inserting and removing, etc. and nothing seems to work.

BTW, the car is out in the sun and the key was very hot when I removed it from the ignition. It's like 100 degrees out here today. Could the heat have anything to do with it?

Thanks for any help.

[PalmerWMD]

The heat will change (expand) the metal inside the tumbler somewhat makign any wear in the lockset more evident.

Usually a succession of very fast+ short wiggles, mayeb in conjuction with wiggleing the steering wheel a bit willlet your k tunr and start the engine.

On and off this problem will come back until its time for a new lockset.Some have extended the inevitable a bit by lubing with graphite lube.

Fred...

[DAEDALUS]

Yes, wiggle the steering wheel. Also make sure the shifter is still in park.

[forecast]

Try really pulling hard on the steering wheel in both directions as you gently apply rythmic pressure on the key.

[Jberger]

Yep, been there. Try your spare key and see if that works. If so, your master is just worn down to the limit of the lock. You'll need to clean the mechanism and work on getting a replacement key.

[cbeaudry]

Thanks for the tips, It did take some serious wiggling and yanking of the steering wheel to get it to turn. One key (the older one) doesn't work at all, the other one (which I had made two years ago) needs the work...

I plan to trade in the car later this summer so I think I'll just park the car somewhere where there is shade so I don't have to go through that expense. When the car is sold, it will probably be dismantled for parts anyways....It's seen it's day.

[Q451990]

A new key will probably solve your problem for a while. My old switch was wearing out keys on the tip, and a new key worked for 10-15K before wearing out. Might be worth it not to be stuck somewhere.

Heath

[Q451990]

When the car is sold, it will probably be dismantled for parts anyways....It's seen it's day.

Wow, must have had some hard times or collision damage... 137K is just getting broken in! You might find someone on this board looking for a project (or parts car) when the time comes...

Heath

[maxnix]

If you are going to sell it, sell it now. Don't let it sit (especailly under a tree) and deteriorate.