I've had this problem in the past but it had always cleared itself.
When I put my key into the ignition I cannot turn it. I have tried
almost every combination of locking and unlocking the doors using both
the key and remote. I unplugged the battery and removed all ignition-
related fuses. None of this helped. I have a remote-starter that is
installed with a toggle switch to disable the Passlock system but it
doesn't seem to matter if I have the Passlock system disabled or
enabled, the problem still persists. The car is currently sitting in a
parking lot awaiting my repair. Please help!

<mpanek (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote in message
allow removal of the key unless in Park. It won't
allow cranking the engine if the brake isn't depressed. I think it won't
come out of Park
if the emergency brake is on.
I'd try moving the gear shift, probably while
holding the brake on. There may even be
a steering wheel lock, which you may need
to move a little. If none of this works, towing
to dealer might help.

I take part of that back. You can turn the
ignition without holding the brake. I think
some cars have that, but you have to be in
Park to crank, so the brake isn't necessary.
I know some cars, after you start the engine,
you can't take it out of Park unless the brake
is pressed.

On Mar 4, 6:44 pm, "Russg" <russg... (AT) MUNGEsbcyahoo (DOT) net> wrote:
The car is in park and I have tried moving the shifter but it didn't
help.

<mpanek (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

snip
be something wrong with the key. The passlock
system doesn't prevent turning the key, I believe.
It causes the car not to start if no key is inserted.
You said the key works the door lock. Does
the remote starter work, starts the engine?

mpanek (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote in news:1173051956.978776.140810
@v33g2000cwv.googlegroups.com:

i have had many of that vintage towed to dealer (warranty at the time) for
ign lock replacement. it was very common for that genre.......in a non
warranty situation ive drilled the cyl out to remove ign lock housing and
replaced lock housing, lock cyl and recoded new cyl so its still a one key
car............sorry, no easy answer.........kjun

Thanks for all the help so far. I cannot turn the key in any
circumstance, battery connected/disconnected, doors unlocked with
remote/key/switch. I am able to start the car with the remote starter
but can't do much else with it because I cannot turn the key. Should I
replace the lock cylinder? I don't think it's the ignition switch
because it won't physically move. I tried spraying some "lock lube"
into the cylinder but it didn't help.

mpanek (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote in news:1173153368.273657.250300@
64g2000cwx.googlegroups.com:

re-read my previous post. that is the solution to a problem GM built into
the car and didnt fix for a few years............again, no easy answer! but
sometimes the truth will get you along to better days

"Russg" <russgilb (AT) MUNGEsbcyahoo (DOT) net> wrote

Why do you reply if you don't offer intelligent responses? We can all play
the guessing games.

<mpanek (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote


I disagree, I had the exact issue w/ a Ford Focus. The key would not turn
ahead.
I was a full hour fiddling with it, then finally it turned. Then I removed
the ignition cylinder, bought and new one and coded it with my key.
Just like new.