On my car (see below) I am unable to turn the key back to run just the accessories like the radio. It's like it's frozen at the point where you take out the key and will not turn back unlike every other GM car I've owned in the past.

Is this normal or is this a problem?

 

Bummer... 20 views and no clues.

Oh well, I guess I will chalk this one p to the uniqueness of my car.



~C

 

Try turning the wheel as you're trying to turn the key to the ACC position. Both of my Camaros worked fine. You may also want to try and spray some electronic contact cleaner into the ignition switch and see if that helps. Good luck.

 

I have the same problem in my firebird, I'm not sure what's wrong with it, but I'm under the impression you have to replace the lock cylinder, but I'm not 100% sure. You might have better luck in the electronics section. Let me know what you find out though.
Corey

 

Brilliant! Thanks Corey.

Mike

 

Consensus (so far) is that the key tumbler is worn out.

I've seen a few of these on ebay...

~C

 

Take a look at your ignition key. Is it worn? I had this problem in my Chevy S-10. It was hard to get it to go into ACC and sometimes it was hard to get it to turn to crank...

You might try a new (or spare) key and see if the problem persists...

Speedy

 

This seems to be the prevailing opinion on the electronics forum. I need to get a new key anyway (only have one) so when I get my lazy butt to acquire a new VATS key, I'll let you know how it goes.

~C

 

If you have to replace the lock tumbler you will probably have to replace keys? I don't know that for a fact as I've never had it done... Before you do that you would probably want to see if that was the problem or if it might just be a worn out ignition key. Of course the VATS keys are very expensive IMHO.

Would it be worthwhile to see if you can get a non vats blank and have a key made. The non vats key would not start the car but it should turn on ACC...

If I am wrong I hope somebody will punch holes in the idea so I will know better when the time comes...

Speedy

 

I have this same problem on my recently acquired Firebird Formula. It won't turn CCW to the accessory position. I'm told that it is out of adjustment. I haven't had time to investigate it yet.

Lon

 

hold the phone!!!!!! most likely it is NOT your key switch.there is a rod that runs down your column to the actual ignition switch on the lower 1/2 of the column . the key switch itself only operates this rod. the ignition is notorious for getting out of adjustment from vibration over the last 20 or some odd years. it very simple fix , a 10mm , 8mm and 7mm wrench is required to fix it . the switch is located at the top of the lower 1/2 of column . look for a white plastic piece with larger gauge red , yellow, pink , orange and brown wires coming out of it. loosen the nuts, bolts securing it but don't take them all the way off. notice the mounting holes are elongated so gently slide the switch back and forth until you get it into the acc position then snug it back up . proceed to check the run &start positions from there . cost to fix :0.00 ,getting your acc.position back : priceless.

 

Dude. I think I love you, mang.

I'm still such a noob at the wrench thing I'm not sure how I access the area you are talking about. Is it a part of the steering column or is it under the steering wheel? Where?

You rock! :rockon:

~C

 

it's at the bottom 1/2 of the steering column closer to the firewall. the switch is at the top of that part of the column pointing towards the instrument cluster. you'll probably have to remove the 2 nuts that bolt the the column to the dash. remove the panel on the dash below the column and you'll see what i'm talking about . no need to remove steering wheel at all . glad to help