Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Hi folks,

2004 blazer. Ignition key won't turn. The steering is not locked.
Tried hard steering in both directions,
Tried cleaning the key socket,
Used some graphite lub on the key,
Tried adjusting the column, jiggling wheel, jiggling key, light knocking on the column...
Nothing has seemed to make any difference.
Is there something happening with the gear box? A way to put her into neutral and back inot park without the key?
Any suggestions at all I am open for.
I have a DMM and am experienced with electronics if it helps.
Really not liking the idea of a tow and a trip to the dealership if it is something that can be remedied, even if it is just long enough to make it to the delaership or mechanic.
Willing to try anything. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
With regards,
Shadwell and family.... stranded at home.

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

You either have a damaged key, lock cylinder or ignition switch.
Does the key turn at all to any position?

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

No, won't move to any position. No spare either.
Does the fact it won't move to any position narrow it down at all?
Thanks.
Shad



UPDATE:
Went out with flashlight and bit of copper buss wire. Spent some time "keying" each tooth one by one, tedious to say the least.
Also gently pulled out any grit and grime I could muster out. There wasn't much but there was a small bit of lint like stuff. Very minute mind you. I tried it and nothing!
Flipped the key for one last try that I KNEW would not work and it turned over!
I fired her up. Moved her forward a tad. Put her gently into park, turned her off.
Tried it several times and all good so far.

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

UPDATE:
Went out with flashlight and bit of copper buss wire. Spent some time "keying" each tooth one by one, tedious to say the least.
Also gently pulled out any grit and grime I could muster out. There wasn't much but there was a small bit of lint like stuff. Very minute mind you. I tried it and nothing!
Flipped the key for one last try that I KNEW would not work and it turned over!
I fired her up. Moved her forward a tad. Put her gently into park, turned her off.
Tried it several times and all good so far.

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Sounds like you may have to plan on replacing the ignition cylinder in the near future.
It's a lot easier than replacing the ignition switch.
Glad you got it started.

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Will have that looked at for sure. Thanks.
I gotta ask since this is my wifes vehichle and I never drive it. Is the sterring wheel supposed to lock?
If so what does it indicate that this one isn't locking?
The key is still turning fine but the steering doesn't lock up like I would expect it to...
Thanks again foer the insight.
Shad

Manual says in the lock position the ignition and transmission is locked. No mention of the steering wheel though.
Still I'd love it if another owner could say yay or nay for me.
Oh well as long as it doesn;t lock while we;re driving to the delaer all is well.
Thanks again!!

Shad, if no one has replied to your post you can just edit your post to add to it. Thanks.

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Manual says in the lock position the ignition and transmission is locked. No mention of the steering wheel though.
Still I'd love it if another owner could say yay or nay for me.
Oh well as long as it doesn;t lock while we;re driving to the delaer all is well.
Thanks again!!

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Yes, the steering wheel should lock.

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Thanks for the editing tip.
Sorry to sound skeptical as your clearly far more knowledgable about blazers then I but I can find no mention of locking steering in the manual, nor online.
Also in the manual there is a procedure lined out for towing with all four wheels on the ground. In that set of insturctions is says to have the ignition in the locked position. Wouldn't it be a bad idea to tow with the steering locked?
Am I missing something? LOL!
Thank you kindly for the help so far I really appreciate it.



Oh snap this is a Trailblazer....not a Blazer. Holy beans I had no idea there was any difference!

RE: Ignition key won't turn, steering not locked.
 

Wanted to apologize again and thank you all. I found my answer in a trailblazer forum where this whould have been.
Oh well thanks again for the advice.
Rock on. :O)