|
Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'89 Buick LeSabre, Key is Stuck Can't Turn Engine Off
Q:
My
car is an 89 Buick LeSabre. My key is stuck in the switch, because
the switch will not turn to the off position. I had to pull a fuse to
kill the engine and I disconnected the battery. My brother wiggled the
switch and was able to fix it once. It worked fine for about 10 days,
then it would not turn all the way to start the car. I moved the tilt
steering wheel to the lowest position and then it would allow me to turn
the key to start the car. Now, again it will not let me turn the engine
off. Is it just the ignition switch or could there be something else wrong
in the steering column?
-
Shirley W.
A:
I would
suggest that if you get the key working again you take your vehicle to
the repair facility. To service the key/lock assembly is very simple when
the key turns. When the key doesnt it creates problems. In earlier
vehicles like yours, the key has to be turned to the accessory position
to line up the release pin to allow for unlocking and removing the cylinder/lock
that the key goes into. To service or replace that assembly without being
able to correctly position it for removal makes the job much more difficult
and time consuming which means more money. In addition, the electrical
part of the ignition switch is located down on the steering column. I
have not had many problems with that component causing the key to bind
or not turn. Most of the time, the problem is with the key/lock assembly
in the upper part of the steering column. Delaying repairs is just going
to cost you more and it is likely to be at an inconvenient time.
|
|