For some reason today, my key won't start the car. I can put the key in and turn it until it is just about to engage the starter, then the key won't turn any farther and the starter obviously won't come on. WTF is that about?

 

Maybe the ING. switch moved on the colum or the rod that works the switch has popped off?

 

i'd guess a bad lock cylinder, the thing the key goes into, easy to replace, and cheap, as long as you don't have VATS

 

Mine did the same thing.
You didn't mention milage but if it's high, the tumblers in the switch are probably worn out.

If it has VATS, take it to GM and they'll repair it stock for a small fortune.
Or do as I did. Buy an aftermarket switch.

Step by Step:
1. Remove the old switch, cut the 2 yellow VATS wires, be sure to leave about 3 or 4 inches of the wires on the old ignition switch.

2. Look under the dash (by the brake pedal if I remember right) and find the other end of the two yellow wires there, pull those wires out of the steering column.

3. Re-connect the yellow wires, electric tape them together, put your old key in the old switch and stow the whole thing under your dash panel.

4. Install the new ignition switch just as you any other non-VATS switch.

Piece of cake. Your VATS isn't disabled, you just always have a key in it. I have seen some guys mount the old switch in the dash so they could remove the key whenever they wanted, thereby 're-enableing' the VATS system.

Old guys....comments/better ideas?

RB