and I really REALLY dont want to pay for a locksmith to come out to bfe on a sunday to fix it if I can help it.
its the actual key in lock part, the key goes in but will not turn, no the steering wheel isnt locked (well it wasnt, it is now after much messing around trying to start the car) the key simply wont turn.
also the key shows significant wear on the top and bottom but not the edges which is very strange, I did however try the spare key and had the exact same result.
so the Question is can I just punch out the lock with a screwdriver and a hammer? do I need to hotwire my own car? I just need to start the damn thing and at least get it home where I can fix it say tuesday when the junkyards open back up (maybe…would still need a key)
Mods I realize this post is of questionable content but I am sincere, I was on my way to a nice relaxing weekend in the mountains with friends after working 13 days straight when this crap happens…now my car is stuck in a grocery store parking lot 20 miles from home.
Try some powdered graphite (dry) - squirt a bit into the key slot, then work the key in and out some. Engage in creative wiggling, moving the key up and down and back and forth (slightly) while trying to turn it. Its best to use the least worn key.
A light liquid lube, such as WD-40, might help, but might result in the cylinder gumming up later on.
I doubt a screwdriver and hammer would work, though they might. Thieves typically pull the lock cylinder out of its housing with a slide hammer that screws into the key slot.
Hotwiring might work, but doesn’t address the steering wheel lock function. Just the electrical aspect of it is tougher than on cars of decades past.
Knowing the type of car and year would have been nice, try lubrication, try wiggling the key. have the car towed back to the house. Attacking the ign with a screwdriver or a dent puller will make things worse more times than not.
Sounds like the wafers and/or key are worn. It’s odd that the spare key doesn’t work, leads me to believe something inside the ignition itself is causing the problem. Is it possible that you can post pictures of both the normal-use and spare key(s)? Did this problem suddenly appear or has it progressed to this point? The more information you can provide, the better I can pin point your problem.
The '99 Nissan Altima isn’t equipped with a transponder, so it’s not an electrical issue.
…have you tried wiggling (professional term there) the steering wheel as you try to turn the key? Sometimes the mechanism which locks the steering wheel itself interacts with the key, so you have to…wiggle it…
I tried moving the wheel a lot while turning the key, the steering wheel wasnt in the locked position to start with though so I dont think thats related.
as for the problem it very very suddenly appeared. as in I had no idea this was coming at all. There might have been a slight click the other day when I started the car but that is just a might, nothing I could really point to.
as for the keys, the spare looks fine. the normal key is seriously worn on the flat sides but the edges that work the tumblers look pretty much normal. the worn parts look a bit like you ran the key through a planer but not very even, the wear is deeper in the middle of the key and not so deep at the ends. also the spare key didnt show any obvious signs of this wear after popping it in and out a few times which also makes me wonder what the heck is going on.
yes, yes indeed. I should probably note that a friend of mine who does mechanical trouble shooting for a living also tried to get it going using both keys in every way he could think of, it was late, dark, and we had no tools at all. I am going to head back and see if I cant get this thing going in day light.