2002 saturn sl1 ignition switch lock up

Does the vehicle start an run ?Can you turn the key to the off position ? And the key won't come out ? Did you try some key graphite ( lube ) ? New lock cylinder need maybe . Or is it a problem with
Steering Column Electric Park Lock
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor-mounted console gear shifter, an added safety feature is an steering column electric park lock system in the steering column. The steering column electric park lock system prevents the steering wheel from being locked when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a steering column electric park lock and a park position switch, that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The steering column electric park lock contains a spring-loaded pin that mechanically prevents the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the Lock position when the transmission is not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost or the transmission is not in the Park position, the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the Lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.

Try turning the steering wheel to the lock position, in either direction, while you try to turn the key. This is a common issue. There is torque from the steering wheel column that is binding the lock cylinder.

Have you tried turning the steering wheel while turning the key? I know you said it's locked, but they usually have a little play in them, sometimes when it's turned as far as the lock will let it the ignition will be put in a bind. If that doesn't help the only other option I can think of would be to replace the ignition set yourself, you'll get new keys and save yourself a trip to the dealer.

It was very likely that the problem turning the key was due to the steering column lock mechanism. Sometimes when you lock the steering wheel, if you the mechanism will bind up, making it difficult to unlock the ignition with the key. Often when this happens, you will be parked on a hill with your wheels agains a curb or some such item. Once you turn the wheel hard to the right (or left), the pressure is released on the locking mechanism, and the key will turn easily. This is a similar situation to what can happen in an automatic if you park on a hill without the parking brake.
try doing this:
pop the off the circle piece around the ignition and the holster cover under the steering wheel.
that ought to work.

Try spraying WD40 into key hole,then try again.

it is possible that its set to do that,its called a afterblow option,so it turns off and on byitself as a way of keeping the evap core dry,,may be normal

Get new key cut at dealer then insert into ign, Use object to tap strait in several times then jiggle key and rock steering wheel at same time.if this does not work will rquire new cylinder and housing.

try putting the shifter in N and move the pressure off the wheel.

that sound like the key cylinder problem, not the key. try some WD-40.

Hello voss_rod,

I have a Saturn too. Happens all the time. The last time you turned the vehicle off the wheel was turned one way or the other. When the steering locked, the wheel trying to center itself put a lot of tension on the key cylinder.

The Fix:
Which ever way the wheels are facing (however slightly), turn the wheel a little more in the same direction while trying the key. It will only take the slightest movement of the wheel to release the tension and allow the key to turn.

If you find this helpful, take a second and rate this solution. I'd sure appreciate it.

Mike