Lumina ignition key will not rotate to off.?

Question

It will rotate to engage the starter but won't rotate back to turn the engine off. What could be wrong?

I tried WD40 and Tapping while trying to rotate.

Answer 1

try to wiggle shifter work back and fourth sometimes this works you may have to hold it up

Answer 2

The most likely cause of this is a worn out ignition cylinder. They wear because of the constant motion of inserting and removing the key and it is a metal to metal deal. Over time the metal particles build up and jam the motion of the cylinder. There is a possibility of one or more of the mechanical linkages inside the column being at fault also, so the best thing to do is to dis-assemble the column and inspect. It is not too hard to do this, but I've done it thousands of times. Start by removing the horn pad or air bag assembly if the car is equipped with an air bag. If it is equipped with an air bag, take the battery post off before beginning to cut the power. If you are unsure of anything, it might be a good idea to remove the battery post anyways as there are live circuits inside here obviously. Once the horn pad and/or air bag are removed, twist off the steering wheel nut, install a puller and remove the steering wheel. Remove the lower column panels for access at the wiring. Depending upon what year you have as you did not state this, there will be a couple of things to remove. The ignitor coil for air bags would be first if equipped, steering column lock plate and spring if equipped, turn signal switch, warning reminder switch, hazard switch knob, and the through bolt which locks the cylinder inside the column. Now the complete cylinder can be removed. Check it with the key installed to see if it fully rotates. If it does, the problem is inside the column further and if it does not it is the cylinder. Clean out the bore of all the metal flakes and reverse removal procedures. Good luck.

Answer 3

The lock cylinder is mis-aligned. you need to have the unit replaced. this happens often with age and use. if you fill comfortable doing this project it can be done for the cost of parts. Other wise you will need to take it to a shop and have the repairs done. the dealer will be able to re-key the ignition lock to match your current key. other shops may not be able to do this for you and you will need to new key for the ignition.

Answer 4

try wiggling the steering wheel back and forth