Ignition switch stuck

[jferrara]

After driving for about 2 hours with no problems on a hot day, I parked and let the car sit for about 20 mins. I then got back in the car and after putting the key in the ignition switch was not able to turn the key at all. The steering wheel locked up on me as well. I let the car sit for about 30 more mins more and tried it again, this time the key turned just fine and the car started perfectly.

After it started this time I drove it for about 20 mins with no problems, parked and once again about 10 mins later encountered the same "stuck" ignition switch issue.

If any one can provide insight as to why this is happening it would be very very helpful!! Thanks.

[mdrburchette]

I wonder if it's possible the tumblers are shifting inside the ignition switch. I had a similar problem but I couldn't turn the car off. I had to stall the car to shut down the engine, then disconnect the battery. I would strongly advise you to replace that switch while you can still turn it. The key has to be in a certain position before you can remove the switch from the housing because of the wheel locking mechanism. There is no other way to remove that switch!

[rlux4]

Absolutely right on Denise. I kept putting off replacing my switch when I first got my car and it would catch when I went to start it. I waited too long and had to drill out the cylinder to get the switch out. Yuck!
Ron