The ignition switch seems to be jammed. The key will go in the switch all the way, but it won't turn. We've tried replacing the key through the Saturn dealer, thinking that the key was simply worn, but a brand new key has the same problem. We need to get the car into the dealer to replace the ignition switch, but are looking to a way to start the car at least once to avoid having to have it towed.
Turn your steering wheel to allow the ignition to fully unlock while turning the key.
Insert the key. Now you turn the key to the right and feel the resistance that you have had before, but dont go beyond it.
Ok. with your left hand simultaneously turn the steering wheel to the left with a slight force, while turning the key with your right hand to the right.
You should feel a momentary resistance which then becomes a freeing up of both the steering and the turning of the key.
Sometimes the key wont turn because through time, the brass the key is made of will sort of shave off bits of itself from having the key inserted and removed, and will accumulate until it becomes a barrier. When this happens the key wont turn. The cylinder would need to be removed from the column and carb cleaner or wd 40 sprayed with straw attached to the nozzle into the cylinder forcing the deposited bits of brass to dislodge and flow out into a container.
Hope that helps you
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same problem with a 2000 year of this model.
I have the same problem also... I turn my steering wheel or shake it back and forth...
I have the same problem with my 2002 SC2. Saturn dealership replaced the shear bolts (not sure if this is the correct term...), which cost about $130 and did no good.
This isn't an issue of wiggling the steering wheel to get it to unlock, either, as some have suggested. The key simply won't turn no matter what. This is my second Saturn, which I bought new. I love it except for this issue. This will be my last Saturn. GM has created their own death, as far as I'm concerned.
Lost my car keys and the dealer that I bought the car from had a new key and ignition replaced to my car, when turning the key the starter works but the engine does not work
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