1990 Cadillac EL Dorado Ignition Will Not Turn

HAWKEYE8442

MEMBER
1990 CADILLAC ELDORADO
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
49,500 MILES

When I put the key into the ignition to start the car, it goes in and out just fine, but it will not turn forward at all so obvsiouly the car wont start. I was thinking the battery may have died so I got a jump and continued to try it, with no luck. After 10 min with the cables on and the battery was definatley charged, it still would not engage forward. If it is indeed the battery which Im going to find out now, ill replace that so theres a steady stream of power, just not sure if getting the ignition to work properly again is something that can be fixed relativley easily or if im going to need to get it towed to a repair shop. Also if it was the battery dieing that caused the ignition to lock up, how come when it was charged it wouldnt unlock?

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

If the ignition is not rotating, it is a mechanical problem. It is more than likely that the rack gear that accomodates the tilt function may have broken, and bound. Is the steering wheel crankd fully one direction, or bound up against something. It can apply enough force to the steering lock gear and pin, to make the ignition seem bound. Apply some force to the sterring wheel in the opposite direction and see if that will free it up.