Key only works sporadically?

TLSTEELE 296

MEMBER
2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
3.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Since I got the car I would get it started and you'd have to try to turn sometimes for 10-15 minutes and then finally it would just turn over all the way and start. Just finished repairing the brakes got it all done went to start it again and it wouldn't start, all day! I let it sit overnight recharged the battery and it still won't turn over at all won't even go out of the lock position generally the security light Will be flashing this time it's not it's not on at all help!

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 AT 6:44 PM

4 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

It sounds like the battery is dead, do the headlamps come on? If not this will be the issues. If the headlights come on brightly I would check the fuses first with the key on. Please go over the video to start with the easy stuff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY

If you can upload a short video in your response of what is going on that will help me see what the problem is.

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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 AT 9:22 AM

TLSTEELE 296

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I probably didn't explain it right in my question, the key doesn't turn. My steering wheel isn't locked. The shifter doesn't move and battery is fully charged. Normally I just keep trying to turn it and it will release and allows me to turn over and start.

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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 AT 10:26 AM

TLSTEELE 296

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Not much to show but here's a short video.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 AT 11:36 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Thanks for the video it helps. It looks like the ignition key tumbler need to be replaced due to wear which is common.

1 Disconnect the battery.
2 Remove the radio.
3 Drill a pilot hole through the plastic housing with a 1/8 inch drill bit.
4 Drill a larger hole at the pilot location, and slightly into the ignition switch lock cylinder surface to break the release button retaining spring using a 1/4 inch drill bit.
5. Use a magnet and remove the retainer tab (2).
6. Grasp the ignition switch lock cylinder and remove it from the switch housing.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Image (Click to make bigger)