# Hard to turn the key (2000 Saturn)

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-to-turn-the-key-2000-saturn/52822>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** keys, sl, saturn, ignition\
**Created:** [August 1, 2010, 9:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-to-turn-the-key-2000-saturn/52822 "2010-08-01T21:28:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![cynthiapool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@cynthiapool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cynthiapool)\
**Post date:** [August 1, 2010, 9:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-to-turn-the-key-2000-saturn/52822/1 "2010-08-01T21:28:02Z")

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I drive a 2000 Saturn sedan and I’m having problems with the ignition that are getting progressively worse. About six months ago, I started having to wiggle the key a little to get it to turn. Now, I have to wiggle the key a LOT and sometimes even press it upwards while wiggling.  
  
  
  
 Also, about a month ago I accidentally discovered that I can pull the key out while the car is running (and the car keeps right on running). I feel certain that isn’t normal.  
  
  
  
 Any ideas about what needs to be repaired/replaced, and about how much it should cost?

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**Author:** ![careenalechat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ac8455/32.png) [@careenalechat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/careenalechat)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-to-turn-the-key-2000-saturn/52822/2 "2010-08-02T00:23:59Z")

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I had this problem with a 10 year old Camry and later a Cadillac that was even older. If you’ve been using the same key for many years it may be a little worn. If you have one that hasn’t been used so much try switching to the “newer” key.

I also had a car that would keep running if I pulled out the key…I think it was the Cadillac.

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**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2010, 12:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-to-turn-the-key-2000-saturn/52822/3 "2010-08-02T00:26:53Z")

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You need a new key switch. Price: About $10-$15. You will have to call around locally for the price on replacement.