Ignition key doesn't immediately turn

Karen_Martin
Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:36:53 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

Hello, I have a 1999 Chevy Prizm that I’m trying to keep as long as possible since I’m now working very part-time hours. For the past week or two I put the ignition key in, and can’t get it to immediately turn. I check to make sure the car’s really in Park, push the key in further, pull it out just a hair…between each step I try to get the key to turn and start the car. After 4 or 5 tries it does turn and the car starts right up.

I’ve tried both my “regular” key and my spare, thinking maybe one was a little worn and not fitting quite right. I’m getting worried that the time will come when I won’t be able to get the key to turn. Is this a problem with the lock part of my ignition, or is there some glitch that’s telling the car it’s not in Park even though it is?

I just had to spend a good chunk of my emergency money to get tires and brake work on this car so it could pass inspection, and when I told the man at the garage about the key problem he shrugged and made some vague comment about old cars having problems.

It there something I can do about this problem besides worrying my self half to death?

7 posts - 4 participants