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Sometimes the key won’t turn right away in the ignition lock cylinder of my 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT, automatic, 3.4L. Sometimes it will turn immediately and sometimes I have to keep trying until it works. I jiggle the steering wheel side to side a little bit and try to turn the key but it won’t budge until eventually it works. This is happening more and more now recently. Could the key be worn out to where I need a new one or is it the lock cylinder or something else? I only have one key to try with the car and all other locks (doors, trunk) work with the key with no issues.
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i had this issue before i realized how my locking wheel works. When locked, turn the wheel as far right as you can then turn the key unlocks everytime.
I feel your pain Christoph. I have a 2001, same car (mine is a SE) and I have to jiggle my key in the ignition most times too. Always works eventually though. I think this is a fault for this vehicle but not sure if a recall was issued, I don’t believe so. I would suggest getting a new key made; don’t think it’s a “special” key that the dealer has to make; try Wal Mart or another local store that makes keys. It’s actually probably a defect with the ignition lock cylinder but I’m sure GM feels like it’s not their problem anymore.
[quote=”RhinoBlu3″ post=60718]I feel your pain Christoph. I have a 2001, same car (mine is a SE) and I have to jiggle my key in the ignition most times too. Always works eventually though. I think this is a fault for this vehicle but not sure if a recall was issued, I don’t believe so. I would suggest getting a new key made; don’t think it’s a “special” key that the dealer has to make; try Wal Mart or another local store that makes keys. It’s actually probably a defect with the ignition lock cylinder but I’m sure GM feels like it’s not their problem anymore.[/quote]
That’s Pontiac for ya 😛
Does this happen with every key or just one key? It’s possible that the difficult key is not cut quite right. But assuming it happens with all keys, I would get is fixed soon. Richpin did a Youtube video on this, how to clean the cylinder. Metal shavings from the key eventually clog the mechanism. If you wait until no key works it’s a lot bigger repair, since the key has to be in and turned on to remove the cylinder. So, this is a repair that is best done before that, ha ha.
This works on Ford vehicles. GM/Pontiac ?
When the key will not turn, release it, pull the steering wheel hard to the right and try again. If that does not get it, release the key, pull the steering wheel hard to the left and try again.
Other than what I call “JiggleItAlittleIt’ll work” principle, I’d replace both the lock cylinder on the steering column and get new keys for it. Rather than going to a dealer, to save some dough, take it to a good locksmith.
[quote=”Sparks4184″ post=61039]Other than what I call “JiggleItAlittleIt’ll work” principle, I’d replace both the lock cylinder on the steering column and get new keys for it. Rather than going to a dealer, to save some dough, take it to a good locksmith.[/quote]
Absolutely !That’s Pontiac for ya :P[/quote]
Overall my 2001 has been a pretty good car – until about 6 months ago and various issues are beginning to pop up. If you see a Grand Am owner of an early 2000’s model, you can pretty much assume 3 things: They’ve replaced (or will be soon) the manifold gasket and probably head gasket; their signal lights & emergency flashers don’t work or work here and there (recall was issued); and third, they have to jiggle their key to get it to start.
[quote=”Sparks4184″ post=61039]Other than what I call “JiggleItAlittleIt’ll work” principle, I’d replace both the lock cylinder on the steering column and get new keys for it. Rather than going to a dealer, to save some dough, take it to a good locksmith.[/quote]
The lock cylinder on this model Grand Am is in the dash.
RhinoBlu3, don’t forget the constant window regulator failures! I just replaced my driver one a couple weeks ago. The window regulator plastic clip and the sash on the window itself both broke. Terrible design!
I will try a new key first. I need an extra one anyways since I only got one when I bought the car.
[quote=”Christoph” post=61516][quote=”Sparks4184″ post=61039]Other than what I call “JiggleItAlittleIt’ll work” principle, I’d replace both the lock cylinder on the steering column and get new keys for it. Rather than going to a dealer, to save some dough, take it to a good locksmith.[/quote]
The lock cylinder on this model Grand Am is in the dash.
Same principle, same suggestion, different location. :woohoo:
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