I don't really know where to put this but can anyone else start their car without the key being in the ignition? I did it today just to see what would happen and it started the engine. I can post a vid tomorrow to those who dont believe me. BTW my car is a 1985 v6 so it doesnt have the chipped key.

 

Mine does it too. Kinda nice, don't need to keep looking for my keys. I live out in the middle of nowhere though and don't need to worry about thieves. Mines an 86.

 

was going to say if you lost your keys no problem you can still start it. but yea bummer maybe change the ignition key switch turn thing lol sorry idk

 

Meh it doesnt really matter much, I got an alarm system with remote start im gonna install.

 

This is super common on all older GM vehicles. The tumbler just wears out and the only fix is to replace the tumbler assembly.

 

My key did this when I first bought my car. The thing is that the lock does need to be lubricated sometimes. I don't know if they make it any more, but I used a special lube that is in a special tube with almost a needle on the end to lube up all the locks, and the ignition lock stopped turning without the key being in place. The key still pulled out of the lock whenever it wanted to, because it was flat on the tumbler side except for one tiny little bump.

Now, mine won't turn without the key, but I can pull the key out when I want to. Don't think the backup key does this, though. Not yet, anyways.

And yes, the only way to fix this for good is to replace it. Although buying the $30 worth of tools to replace the $15 lock isn't really worth it, unless you also need to tighten your steering column as well (for those with tilt columns).