The key won't turn

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windshield_time
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Year and Trim: 2003 SE 98571 on 5/23/08

The key won't turn

Post by windshield_time »

All,

Went to go to Maryland last night and the key won't turn. The car is in park, the steering wheel seems to be unlocked. I can not get the vehicle out of park, when I put the key in it will move a millimeter and charge the fuel pump and that is all. I tried moving the shifter, banging it around, moving the steering wheel etc. to no avail.

I am stuck in my driveway. I searched but could not find this specific problem, I found others similar but not this. I think at some point with the old forum I had read about the ignition tumblar itself going bad.

For more info I can tell you that I have had this problem a couple of times before but it always started after a wiggle of the key. It happened earlier in the day but again I wiggled the key and nothing. I have tried both copies of my key.

Assistance would be appreciated as if I have to replace the ignition I would need some "gear head" assistance with that.

Thanks.
I've been to jail in 12 different states ! ;)

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harofreak00
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Re: The key won't turn

Post by harofreak00 »

Yah, your tumbler is wearing out. Do you have a lot of keys on your keychain? That can cause premature failure.

I have had this issue happen on my car 2-3 times. Its very frustrating, especially when you need to be somewhere.

I'd replace the tumber. I have one if you are interested. Its pretty easy to swap, (much more so than the 92-99 gen)
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited
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2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler
windshield_time
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Posts: 97
Joined: Fri May 23, 2008 11:48 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SE 98571 on 5/23/08

Re: The key won't turn

Post by windshield_time »

glad 2 know it can be done, but is there the ability to keep the same key or will I have 2 rekey the door also ?
I've been to jail in 12 different states ! ;)

For Sale at this time.
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harofreak00
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Re: The key won't turn

Post by harofreak00 »

You would have to rekey the door.

Its possible that if you buy a new module from the dealer, they could get an exact copy of yours. The only problem is you are going to pay $100's
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited
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2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler
windshield_time
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 97
Joined: Fri May 23, 2008 11:48 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SE 98571 on 5/23/08

Re: The key won't turn

Post by windshield_time »

Thanks for the info. I tried one salvage yard today cause it's close to me and they won't sell the ignition, they are concerned I might have stolen the car. I will be calling a guy I know that owns a yard to see if he has the ignition and door for me so I can keep the key the same. I will keep you updated.

Thanks again.
I've been to jail in 12 different states ! ;)

For Sale at this time.
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harofreak00
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Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 6:04 pm
Year and Trim: 2004 GXP - plus a handful of other Bonnevilles
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Re: The key won't turn

Post by harofreak00 »

If all else fails, I still have that ignition.
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited
Image
2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler
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