I've searched this but haven't been able to find any info on it. The other day I parked my car and got back in to get it out of the driveway and I put the key in the ignition but the key won't turn. I've tried it with the other key I have and it still doesn't work.
Does anyone know if theres a sensor or a relay somewhere that might be affecting this?
I have already disconnected the battery for an hour and a half but it didn't work. I also tried playing with the steering wheel and pressing in the brake pedal too but that didn't work.
Try turning the steering wheel slightly, then try turning the key again. Mine (1999 S-500) sometimes will not turn-on either and this solves the problem.
I am wondering maybe I can remove the ignition and somehow release it. Is it easy for a DYI? I saw a youtube video where the guy used a special tool to remove it but I have a feeling you can remove it yourself without the tool.
You have the old style tumbler which is fairly easy to replace and fairly inexpensive, under a hundred dollars ususally. You can try lubricating it. Eventually it will grab your key and not let go of it and then you're in for a more expensive fix. You do need a special tool.
Thank you guys,I am going to attempt all of the above and will keep everyone posted,I have a feeling its a simple fix,the car is parked on upwards hill so it might need a little push or movement to release the lock somehow.
I've searched this but haven't been able to find any info on it. The other day I parked my car and got back in to get it out of the driveway and I put the key in the ignition but the key won't turn. I've tried it with the other key I have and it still doesn't work.
Does anyone know if theres a sensor or a relay somewhere that might be affecting this?
I have already disconnected the battery for an hour and a half but it didn't work. I also tried playing with the steering wheel and pressing in the brake pedal too but that didn't work.
Thnx
Like Merc600sec says, I think that this is a mechanical lock-out which is connected to the gear selector position. A pin prevents the key turning if you're not in P or N. It could be that friction in that system is preventing the pin withdrawing but I don't know how it is activated at the gear selector end of the mechanism. I believe that there is something like a Bowden cable moving the pin at the ignition switch end. Personally, I would try spraying IPA or switch cleaner into the key hole - something that leaves no residue.
I tried putting my foot on the brake pedal and shifting the gear from park to neutral and back but the gear selector shifter won't move.I do not want to apply too much pressure and risk breaking the gear shifter. I also lubricated the keyhole and it still didn't work.
In order to remove the ignition from the column I am undrstood that you need to put the key and turn the key to a position before you can remove the tumbler, unfortunatley my key does not move at all in the ignition so this can be difficult.
I removed the cover underneathe the sterring wheel and I can see the igntition as well as that cable that has the lock mechanism from underneath.I am wonder if there is a way to remove the ignition from underneath the steering wheel or disconnecting the cable connected to the pin lock,maybe this will work.
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