When I insert my key into the ignition, I can turn it to accessory and all my lights and radio come on and my steering wheel unlocks. but then when I try to turn it further to start the engine, it seems like it is locked and won't allow me to turn it any further. sometimes it will turn and when it does it starts right up, but other times it seems like there is something jamming it or something, not allowing it to turn any further. please, any help with this is much appreciated. It's a 99 sunfire by the way.
2006-11-10 15:57:38 · 6 answers · asked by ryana1980 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
so leonard k, or anybody out there, if the tumbler's bad it would allow me to turn the key to accessory but not go far enough to start it? sorry, I don't know a whole lot about cars and I'm pretty baffled by this one. thank you all so much for your answers.
2006-11-11 01:14:38 · update #1
it sounds like you need a new ignition switch. you would need to take it to a mechanic to find out for sure
2006-11-10 16:06:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bad tumblers- worn out. Dealer or locksmith can re-do those, called 're-coding' the lock, not real cheap, but at some point the ignition will jam completely and you`re screwed. Then it gets real expensive.
Ryana- hope you check back and see this. Yes, if the tumblers are bad, it can be the cause of the key working intermittently. It is a mechanical device, the tumblers are little pieces of metal of different lengths, that why your key has grooves cut into it, to match the inside "code" of the ignition. After a period of time- usage- etc. the tumblers (and the grooves on the key) flatten out a bit and don`t match up so well, causing the key to become difficult to turn smoothly. The high points or peaks on the key blank push the tumblers upward which in turn releases the locking mechanism in the cylinder. This allows the cylinder to turn. If even 1 of the tumblers isn`t pushed all the way up (there are 6-10 in the cylinder), it will cause the lock to not rotate or be difficult to turn. Sorry about the lenghty dissertation, if you were standing here I could demonstrate it in 2 seconds visually. Good Luck
2006-11-11 09:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by leonard k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be 2 things that I know of . . .
1. the tumbles in the key ignition need to be replaced. Had this happen to me.
2. Turn the wheel while turning the key, steering wheel may be locked.
good luck!
2006-11-11 00:07:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try pushing the key into the ignition switch a little farther, let it spring back, and then turn the key. I had a similar problem with my Honda motorcycle.
2006-11-11 00:06:54 · answer #4 · answered by joeyamas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it in park? My car won't start the ignition unless the gear's in park. It could be something wrong with the ignition, possibly have a mechanic take a look at it...
2006-11-11 00:05:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and its probably not going all the way in park,this is what causes this to happen,next time it does it make sure by pushing up on the shifter ,and i bet it will start right up,i know this because i have a relative that owns a sunfire,and it did this also,good luck i hope this help,s.
2006-11-11 00:21:06 · answer #6 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋