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prairie son · Dec 14, 2007, 05:03 AM

My sister-in-law has a Chevy Cavelier, about 10 years old-----don't know for sure. The ignition lock on the steering column is locked up------key will not turn no matter what you do. She has been told by a family member and self-proclaimed mechanic that her battery is low and that a new battery will solve the problem
Could this be true?:rolleyes:
Thanks, Prairie Son

Stratmando · Dec 14, 2007, 06:10 AM

I would try turning steering wheel one direction or the other while turning key.
You are going to need a Battery anyway, and can't hurt. Or Charge it.

CaptainRich · Dec 14, 2007, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by prairie son

My sister-in-law has a Chevy Cavelier, about 10 years old-----don't know for sure. The ignition lock on the steering column is locked up------key will not turn no matter what you do. She has been told by a family member and self-proclaimed mechanic that her battery is low and that a new battery will solve the problem
Could this be true?:rolleyes:
Thanks, Prairie Son

The battery may be low, but I've not seen a weak battery cause Ignition cylinder lock-up.
More likely the Ign lock cylinder, the key itself, or both, have become so worn that the tumblers inside don't align correctly.
I believe a replacing the lock cylinder and key would do the trick.

Carisma_motorsports · Dec 15, 2007, 06:00 PM

Try tapping on the end of the key with something like the butt end of a screw driver.

N0help4u · Dec 15, 2007, 07:12 PM

I never heard of the battery stopping the ignition. Try turning the wheel and jiggling the gear shift. Sometimes if one of them is stuck it will keep the key from turning otherwise you may need to change the lock. You most likely will have to pull the steering wheel to change the lock.

prairie son · Dec 15, 2007, 07:27 PM

Thanks for all the help you. You just justified my own suspicions--------that being that the so-called mechanic is an idiot
Prairie Son

Stratmando · Dec 16, 2007, 06:21 AM

Did you try apply turning pressure to steering wheel? Both ways?

Carisma_motorsports · Dec 18, 2007, 09:20 PM

A failed battery can keep a key/ignition locked, on they newer cars. It depends on the design. I'm a mechanic for saab and all the 2003 + cars do it. I highly doubt this could happen to a 10 year old cavalier. If you tell me the model and year, I can check for a GM service bulletin. My girlfriends 98 cavalier has a bulletin stating that one or more of the tumblers won't "fall" and therefore won't allow the key to turn. It called for an ignition cylinder but for my girlfriends, all I did was put some powdered graphite on the key, stick it in the ignition and tap the end of the key. Its been fine ever since, and that was a year ago. Hope this helps!

Carisma_motorsports · Dec 18, 2007, 09:22 PM

I meant all the 2003 + saabs do it, not all 2003+ cars!