I cannot start my 2000 Chevy Malibu b/c the ignition will not turn at all. I tried jiggling the shifter (also locked up), wrenching the wheel, jiggling the key, trying both sides of the key, trying the other set of keys, had other people try as well........and cannot get the thing to turn at all.
Is this a security system gone bad?
Do I need a locksmith? -- or will a mechanic be cheaper?
Is this a replace the ignition job? or........?
my problem was i turned the car off in the acc postion, battery died got it to off position now it is stuck there. What problems could it be
On this car there is a cable that is tied into the shifter, so you have to turn the keep to be able to take it out of gear. Its all in 1 big housing. Usually to remove the ignition cylinder it has to be in the run position and you push a little key down to remove it. Since your key won't turn you have to figure out a way to do it.However once you replace the ignition cylinder your shifter will move and you will be able to start the car. To get to the ignition switch/cylinder you have to remove the molding around the instrument panel and then the instrument cluster. Then you can unbolt the assembly in the front with a 10mm socket. lift the assembly up and now you have access to change it out. Hope this helps.
SOURCE: Ignition and Transmisssion Locked on 2000 Chevy Malibu
I had a similar problem on a 2001 GM product. The problems all stemmed from a worn out key. Keys are made from softer metals so that they wear out before the expensive cylinder does. Debris had collected in the cylinder preventing ANY key from turning it - corrected that with compressed air. Replaced the key at the dealer by providing the VIN and my ID w/registration - $10.00. Kept the old keys because they still worked for opening the trunk. Try it, I bet your symptoms and fix actions are very similar, at least, I hope so. Regards.
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