2002 blazer- ignition key won't turn to start engine

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nobody special - 20 Nov 2005 12:14 GMT

Woken up this morning by the wife, who couldn't turn the ignition key to
start a 2002 blazer. Ran fine last night when she parked it, but now the
key will not turn when inserted in the ignition and the transmission is
locked in Park. It's parked on a level surface (no torque lock), and the
steering wheel is also locked. Key has been fully inserted, and have tried
turning the wheel hard left then right as manual recommends, but no joy.
Cannot shift car into neutral either- whole steering column is locked.

Any advice?

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William Andersen - 20 Nov 2005 17:29 GMT

I know you said you turned the wheel, but I've found that I have to relieve
pressure on the wheel in order to turn the key. Sometimes that just means
holding the wheel with a little pressure in the direction the wheels are
pointing while turning the key to unlock the steering wheel.

> Woken up this morning by the wife, who couldn't turn the ignition key to
> start a 2002 blazer. Ran fine last night when she parked it, but now the
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Any advice?

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nobody special - 20 Nov 2005 19:12 GMT

Thanks, but already tried that with no luck. The tires are pointed straight
forward, and the steering wheel hardly moves at all in either direction.
Cannot turn the key (or the spare key) at all in the ignition- it's locked.
No idea what to do- wife had an old Saturn which had a button on the
steering column to assist in these cases, but none here.

Any advice out there? May have to have it towed to a dealer, which could be
pricey since we're nowhere close to town.

>I know you said you turned the wheel, but I've found that I have to relieve
>pressure on the wheel in order to turn the key. Sometimes that just means
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>>
>> Any advice?

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Woody - 20 Nov 2005 20:19 GMT

Try a little LockEzz or another graphite lub in the lock. I use to have the
problem with my Venture about once a year until I started lubing it every 6
months. The only thing that can prevent the cylinder turning is the tumblers
not lining up...

> Thanks, but already tried that with no luck. The tires are pointed
> straight forward, and the steering wheel hardly moves at all in either
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>>>
>>> Any advice?

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Silverado - 21 Nov 2005 00:05 GMT

Same thing happened to my father's 97 S10 and the garage had to replace the
ignition switch. They said it was worn and wouldn't turn. $37 I think.

Karl

> Woken up this morning by the wife, who couldn't turn the ignition key to
> start a 2002 blazer. Ran fine last night when she parked it, but now the
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Any advice?

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