2001 ignition key question

[maritimesbob]

I just bought a 2001 Sunfire SE this morning. Nice car, good upgrade from a 96 Dodge Stratus!

Is there a trick to turning the ignition key on these cars? On my old Stratus and most other cars I`ve had, it was a case of turning the wheel and key at the same time.

I`m having a really hard time getting the ignition key to turn, some times it takes five or ten minutes of turning, pushing key in and out, rocking wheel back and forth and a combination of everything. Eventually I get lucky and it finally turns so I can be on my way.

I wasn`t sure if I was doing some thing wrong or whether I have a steering lock or ignition key barrel problem.

Thanks.

 

[Zimgxp]

If it is a manual transmission, there is a button on the ignition that needs to be pressed in.

 

[maritimesbob]

It`s a 4 speed automatic.

The key comes out of the lock just fine. I just find it difficult to turn, seems I have to mess around rocking the steering wheel back and forth and turning/jiggling the key until it finally releases and I can turn the key to start. I can be doing this quite a while which can be frustrating.

I might try spraying some lube into the lock mechanism (not too much obviously).

Thanks.

 

[melsg5]

Can you tell of it's an original GM key or a copy? If a copy you may want to have a new one cut based on serial number of car.

______________________________

 

[maritimesbob]

The key has the GM rubber molding across the top, not sure how else to tell really.

 

[melsg5]

Try the lock lubricant as you suggested

 

[maritimesbob]

Found out the problem. It was a bad key, probably worn and slightly twisted.

I was given another key by the previous owner the other day which he had forgotten about, this "other" key works just great.