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96 Cavalier key won't turn, steering wheel locked, can't shift from Park?
On my daughters 96 Cavalier, we cannot get the key to turn. The steering wheel will not move more than 1/2 inch in either direction. Although you are supposed to be able to shift to Neutral with the car off (according to the manual - never actually verified that myself), we can't do that either.
I have already tried jiggling it, tried turning the key while trying hard to turn the steering wheel, turning the key upside down, squirting lubricant in there, and smacking the lock area (not too hard LOL) with the round end of a screwdriver - all things I saw listed as possible solutions. None have helped.
Anyone have any other possible solutions?
Still no joy! Have tried the pulling hard on the steering wheel while attempting to turn key. Have tried lubricant. Called the dealer's service dept who suggested jacking up the front to release 'torque lock'. Did that, still nothing. He also suggested having another car push it from behind to try to free up the tires/steering, that didn't work either. Am going to try disconnecting the battery next. (cannot find the shift override, which is supposed to at least let me shift to Neutral so I could coast, which may then free up tires/steering. The service guy just said it was 'somewhere' on the shift, about the size of 'an ant' - but I don't see it.)
7 Answers
- jimponderLv 51 decade agoFavorite Answer
Sounds like the tumbler bar is bent or the ignition switch is bad.
- RebeccaLv 45 years ago
Yeah, I had this problem the second day I was driving a Ford Free star, Company (Employer) owned van. I was sure something was broken, because the key just wouldn't turn. Then I remembered I had been holding the steering wheel turned with some torque on it when I shut it off. And I applied quite a bit of force to get the wheel to move about 1/2 an inch,(It would only go one way because the locking mechanism was solidly engaged,) Then the key turned easily! after turning it to the "Unlock" position, the steering wheel twisted about 1/2 a turn from the action of rubber on pavement. It took a VERY VIGOROUS twist to get the pressure off the column lock but that is jambing the key. Use two hands, it will move a little one way or the other, when it does the key will unlock easily!
- 1 decade ago
just a thought. some vehicles have a small button or switch that must be pushed in before you can turn the key. this would usually be found somewhere on the steering column. also,be sure that there is not part of a key broken off inside the keyway. know this may sound silly,but never know. hope this might be of some help. if all else fails,i would try calling the dealer/manufacturer of the car,and explain problem to them. hopefully could give you a solution without wanting to charge you for it. best of luck. john
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Push hard on the break peddle, grab the steering wheel and yank it really hard to the left while the other trys turning the key. My Chevrolet has a lock and can't be shifted unless the break is pushed and held first, and the key is in the switch. It's a 1998 Lumina. Check your key, is the security chip on it?
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- 1 decade ago
try unplugging the battery for fifteen minutes and then hook it back up. maybe its a security overide
