Alright... Got a 97 Sunfire about a week ago.

When ever i put the key into the ignition, it wont turn... It kinda needs to be twisted back and forth to get it turn so the car can start.. I figurued it may be that teh key was just worn, so i had a new one cut by a dealership, and problem not solved.


any suggestions?

Sounds like the steering column lock. Usually if you turn the steering wheel back and forth while it's locked it'll unlock the key. I have a problem with it as I have no tilt steering and i'm kinda tall, so a lot of times my leg will turn on the wheel when I get out and lock the wheel.

i've had the same problem with my 97 sunfire..could never figure it out and eventually it just went away

If it is an automatic, make sure that it is all the way in park also. But it sounds like the steering column lock like stated.

yep. new tumbler. good luck getting a new one, they're about $250. if you can find one in a junk yard youcan use it, however.



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don't jump to an un-needed conclusion like that. go for the cheaper fix first, then if you have to, go with a tumbler.

Rich Grayo Jr. wrote:yep. new tumbler. good luck getting a new one, they're about $250. if you can find one in a junk yard youcan use it, however.

thats my vote, I changed mine after I bought the car, almost had to buy a whole column, I couldnt get the key to turn, You have to be able to turn the key to the on position in order to change it. There is a pin that you push in to remove it.
Yep $250 sounds about right . by the time you buy the cylinder, have it keyed and pay for a new key.

If I were to do it over again I would buy a steering column with a key. I bought one on ebay cheap for another job, some where around 40 bucks I think.
96 and up are all the same, you will just have to relearn the security system.


01 cav w/01 3400 gam gt 4t45e