Ignition locked

Tiny
JPOTEAT
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 56,000 MILES
The key for my car will not turn in the switch. I pulled in my driveway put car in park and turned the key in off position. I went to get in car later and put key in switch, I tried to turn key and it will not turn at all. I did try the spare key with no success. The steering wheel does not lock, but I did try to move the gear selector while trying to turn the key. The key switch is in the dash.
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 AT 6:28 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The first thing I would look at is your key is it worn down if so that could be the problem. Do you have a spare that is not worn down? If not I would go to the Chevrolet dealer and have them make a fresh punched out key from your key code. Not having a worn out copy of your old key made. Also, have you tried moving the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key? Also try lightly tapping on the ignition cylinder with a hammer then turning the key. If that does not work you will need to replace the lock tumbler. Here are diagrams to help show you how.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
JPOTEAT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The keys do not appear to be worn down. It has a column shifter, not a floor shifter. I took the shift cable bracket loose from the transmission, to manually shift to neutral, so the car could be moved out of my way in the driveway. I tried to turn the key then with no luck.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Alright, use the instructions for replacing the ignition cylinder as far as taking the dash panel's off etc. Once you do that then make sure the car is in park with all the cables put back in place. Then see if you can depress the retainer that holds the trans-axle park lock cable in place on the ignition switch if you can then remove the cable. Now see if the ignition key turns if it does then we have a problem with the cable binding up the cable. If it does not then we have to remove the whole assembly and drill out the cylinder. Let me know what you find.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
JPOTEAT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I ended up drilling out my old switch and replacing the switch with a new one.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Glad to hear you got your car fixed jpoteat. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
RMCK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I also could really use those same details on how to access the Ignition switch in the dash of my 2003 Chevrolet Impala SE. I also have a frozen switch that will not turn. The key and spare key are not worn down. I have tried tapping on the switch as instructed. Also used a lubricant on the key and switch. The keys will not turn at all. Steering wheel turns, shifter is on the floor, automatic.
Shifter will not move it is in park. Was at the store came out and key would not turn. Had to have the car towed home. Thanks for your help!
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
STEOHBTPA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I just had the same thing happen in my 2003 Impala 3.4l. I have tried everything above and nothing has worked. I have an automatic with the gear shifter on the column and the ignition cylinder is on the dash. Could I please have a copy of the replacement procedure. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
The instructions are above. Ken
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Saturday, March 13th, 2021 AT 10:13 AM

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