Key won't turn, steering wheel not locked


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Key won't turn, steering wheel not locked

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eliminohpea
Novice

Nov 19, 2008, 12:40 PM

Post #1 of 4 (2136 views)

Key won't turn, steering wheel not locked	Sign In

So here's what I got:
1998 Olds Cutlass
No major problems in it's lifetime
Average upkeep
120,000ish miles

Here's the problem:
Key won't turn. Like, at all.

Steering wheel is not locked (we tried turning the wheel and key a dozen times), I can not shift into neutral (can not shift at all), alarm is off so it's not a theft deterrent thing. Everything seems to be in fine working order, except that the key doesn't turn therefore car doesn't run. Thoughts, please, anyone?

Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Nov 19, 2008, 4:15 PM

Post #2 of 4 (2125 views)

Re: Key won't turn, steering wheel not locked	Sign In

I don't recall running into one with these symptoms, but, I would suspect a faulty key tumbler. What bothers me, is that if the steering wheel is not locked, I would think that it should come out of Park. Does the key go in and out of the tumbler okay? Oh, is the shifter on the floor or on the column?
Loren
SW Washington

Guest
Anonymous Poster

Nov 19, 2008, 9:28 PM

Post #3 of 4 (2120 views)

Re: Key won't turn, steering wheel not locked	Sign In

One other thing to check is the key may be worn out. If you have a spare try that.

Guest
Anonymous Poster
mac_java@yahoo.com

Dec 19, 2008, 9:08 AM

Post #4 of 4 (2062 views)

Re: Key won't turn, steering wheel not locked	Sign In

I have a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue that has the same symptoms. I used two different keys and get the same results so it is not the keys so I suspect it maybe a faulty lock cylinder. I am eager to hear any other ideas out there.

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