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Chev Cavalier won't start
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doho@cableone.net
New User
Jul 16, 2011, 10:24 AM
Post #1 of 4
(2081 views)
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Chev Cavalier won't start
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We have a 1996 Chev. Cavalier. When trying to start it, the ignition switch will not turn at all. this was sudden, as the car was started and driven to a friend's house, turned off, and when I tried to restart it to leave, the key would not turn. We tried several times, and with a second key, but no luck. Someone suggested taking it out of park and starting it in nuetral, but the shift lever will not come out of park either. We made sure the brake pedal was depressed as well, but that didn't make a difference either. First, what could be wrong, and second, is it possible to hotwire the car so it can be driven to a service center for repair?
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 16, 2011, 9:06 PM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: Chev Cavalier won't start
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Can't tell you how to hot wire because I don't want to wake up in the morning to see that my truck is gone.
More than likely the ignition lock cylinder has seized up. That bad part is that you need to use a 90 degree drill and 1/8-9/32 drill bit to drill a hole so you can get the retaining spring out. Your best bet is to either have the vehicle towed to a repair shop or call a lock smith.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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zmame
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 17, 2011, 6:22 AM
Post #3 of 4
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Re: Chev Cavalier won't start
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In some cases it's a problem with tumblers in the key cylinder sticking.. if you put the key in take a small hammer and LIGHTLY tap the end of key the vibration will cause the tumbler to fall into place. If that fails you will have to have it looked at by a professional.
If it does work you will need to have the cylinder replaced/repaired.
(This post was edited by zmame on Jul 17, 2011, 6:23 AM)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 17, 2011, 12:43 PM
Post #4 of 4
(2046 views)
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Re: Chev Cavalier won't start
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The only thing I would add here is to make sure the steering wheel isn't turn all the way to one direction or the other. If the wheels are turned all the way this will sometime put pressure on the switch where the key won't turn. What you need to is to see which way the wheels are turned to and grab the steering wheel and turn it to the other direction, while holding the wheel in the opposite direction try to turn the key.....
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