key goes into ignition but will not turn. what is wrong? I need my car.
Asked by mightymac Jan 31, 2012 at 12:29 PM about the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
2003 - intermittent problem. put key in, won't turn. Wheels are straight. Please help.
This car has given me more headaches. just had the head gasket replaced from plastic to metal bc the coolant was mixing with the oil. So many other issues, I'd junk it but I still owe $6K on it... Has about 150K miles I think. Also, the inside lights do not go on at all (like the dome lights) the dashboard lights up for the most part when started but no other internal lights go on. (very annoying at night)
5 Answers
Sounds like an ignition switch. This is usually an inexpensive issue to fix. As far as the lights, seems like a wiring issue, probably not worth the money to address.
I thought so, but I was hoping it was just "user error" (this really has only happened to my husband and never when I'm home. I just get in and go so maybe I've just been lucky.). Thank you!
Sounds like the security wheel lock is sticking, very common on 2000-2006 gms. Jiggle the key and yank the wheel from side to side at the same time till it catches
I also had this happen once. I pushed the lock button on the key thob and then the unlock button and could feel the lock in the dash click and then the key turned fine.
I did all the above with no results. Used WD-40. Worked immediately.
