My key won't fully turn to "off".

Asked by candycedd Apr 01, 2011 at 02:40 PM about the 2004 Chevrolet Impala SS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

There are times when after I park my car and I turn the key to off, it won't fully turn to "off". My key gets stuck between "off" and "acc". My engine turns off but the battery is still on! I don't know what's wrong. I've tried turning the wheel, it worked once but never again. I put the car in neutral, didn't work. I bought a new key, thinking that maybe my old key was too old and jagged on the edges but that didn't help either. It's gotten to the point where I have to disconnect my battery. My ignition is on the dashboard (if that helps).

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong???

8 Answers

2,435

put some lockeze in the spot where the key gos in, spray it good and keep a rag under the steering colum. If that dos'nt work you will have to replace the lock cylinder

7 people found this helpful.
135

I had a similar problem with my old '96 Grand Am (may it be crushed into bits). Took it to the dealer and they said it was a solenoid (spelling? I'm a mechanical moron, but I remember what they said it was ant that it was not a cheap fix) causing the problem.

7 people found this helpful.
70

Did you ever find out what was wrong with your car? I'm having the same issues.

7 people found this helpful.
50

Yes, this is a very common problem. The lock cylinder wears out, and needs to be replaced. Very annoying, I have had 3 of my own with this issue, as well as close to 50 customers in the last couple years

5 people found this helpful.
70

Well if the car key ignition is not turning to off could be a couple problems one is try to shift from park to drive with out pushing breaks if it does it your gears are broken causes key to stay locked and not turn car off other one is if you have car disconnected from battery try to turn steering wheel to either side if it locks it’s your key ignition if it don’t gears are broken and need replaced but good luck maybe don’t put the car from drive to park so fast

7 people found this helpful.
80

Disconnect shift lock cable on ign. Switch. And try it. It is prob. Not fully engaging enough for ign. Cylinder to slide behind the cable tip

8 people found this helpful.

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