Key will not turn to the start position

[xminnis]

"have you ever had any problems with it before?..."

One time yesterday it felt locked up like this but only for a few seconds finally i just turned hard enough and it started. And then it was fine the rest of the day, then this morning it was fine too then i came out of class earlier today and got in my car to go home and its stuck bad. the turn it hard trick obviously doesnt work anymore and i dont want to bust something either. i guess i will try taking a can of WD-40 up there...

 

[xminnis]

"If you drop the column down you'll see the ignition box and the rod that is driven from your ignition key. If you release that rod try your ignition key and if it doesn't work then you have a problem with your ignition cylinder"

What tools do i need to do this? i dont wanna get up there and have to come back home again for a tool, im guessing just a screw driver but just to make sure i thought i would ask

 

[xminnis]

well when i went to get the car i just got frustrated so i just cranked it with all my strength and it moved far enough that the car started somehow but it still did not pop out of being locked so i dont know whats up. I cant do that everytime i start it though... my wrist was hurting lol

 

[pokertramp]

the ignition switch probably crapped out. Not the key switch but the part the key turns, the part that the rod gets pushed. You could do one of 2 things, replace that part or throw in a push button start, done it before on other cars.

 

[Blake442]

On my sister's old VW Rabbit, the same thing happened to where it would turn to accessory, but then nothing. So we rigged it so you would turn the key on, and then press and old door bell we mounted under the dash to start it. Worked great.

 

[xminnis]

i guess push button start is what i will need to figure out how to do then, im sure that will be cheaper than replacing the broken part

 

[GP403]

Lemme just throw in a vote for "fix it the right way" If you're trying to keep this thing running, hacking up a whatever-rigged solution isn't the way to go. Replacing the ignition switch is not difficult, just takes a little time. And if $30 is too expensive for a car part then.... well.... Hacking it up for a push button switch will probably cost you more in time and $, now and in the long run.

Just disconnect your battery first before you replace the switch. Learned that one the hard way once

 

[joe_padavano]

This is where it pays to read the factory service manual. The 1984-up GM cars have a MECHANICAL interlock on the ignition switch instead of the usual electrical neutral start switch. There is a slot in the steering column collar that blocks the rod from the lock cylinder to the ignition switch unless the trans is in Park or Neutral. It doesn't matter if the car is column or floor shift, tilt or non-tilt, the system works exactly the same.

The most likely problem is that the backdrive linkage from the trans to the column has slipped or the bushings have worn, causing it to get out of adjustment. Have you tried turning the key to RUN, then moving the shifter to Neutral, then trying to start the car? Or (and with foot FIRMLY on the brake) try turning the key to START (but don't force it) while moving the shifter between gears. If it starts in one of the positions, you need to readjust the linkage. Simple and ZERO cost.

 

[shotgun]

X2 on checking the interlock. On some cars I have reached down and given the interlock bar a tug upwards and it was fixed (for awhile).

Were headers put on the car recently?

Also the switch could be fine, just out of adjustement.
Takes 2 mintues with a couple 1/4 drive sockets to loosen it and adjust.

 

[joe_padavano]

Also the switch could be fine, just out of adjustement.

Yeah, but if the key can't be turned to the START position, it's unlike that the switch is the problem. If the accessories work in the RUN position, the switch is adjusted properly.