My key turns in ignition but doesn't seem to engage, no lights come on either

Replace the ignition assembly on the steering column. The return spring is in that module. Be sure to put your original lock cylinder back into the new assembly so you can use the same key. If you get a used one with the key cylinder in it, make sure you get the key that matches the lock. If not, switching the original lock back in is a real pain. With the correct key, you just rotate the key to the start/ignition position, push a nail/probe into the hole on top of the assembly and the lock cylinder should be able to pull out.

Key an lock cylinder maybe ! Try some WD- 40 first , Spray a little into the lock cylinder or use key stuff made for that Silicone spray or powdered graphite are the most easily found lubricants Under the Hood Dealing with difficult ignition switch
Read this first !

Hi there:
Check this REMOVAL & INSTALLATION procedure...

CAUTIONThe Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system must be disarmed before working around the air bag or SIR wiring. Failure to do so may cause accidental deployment of the air bag, resulting in unnecessary SIR system repairs and/or personal injury.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. In order to disarm the air bag system, allow the SIR system capacitor to discharge for at least 2 minutes, before performing any removal procedures.
3. Remove the screws that secure the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
4. Remove the screws that secure the bottom of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
5. Disengage the retaining clip that holds the right side of the lower steering column cover to the instrument panel.
6. Remove the lower steering column cover from the vehicle.
7. Remove the mounting screws that hold the upper and lower steering column shrouds and remove the lower steering column shroud.
8. Install the ignition key and turn the key cylinder to the RUN position. This is important because it will not only aid in removal of the ignition lock, but will also place the socket (in the lock cylinder housing) in proper alignment for the installation of the replacement ignition lock.
9. Press in the lock cylinder retaining tab and remove the key cylinder (ignition lock).

To install:

1. Install the ignition key into the replacement ignition lock key cylinder. Turn the key to the RUN position. Depress the ignition lock key cylinder retaining tab.
2. Align the shaft at the end of the ignition lock cylinder with the socket in the end of the ignition lock cylinder housing.

1. Align the ignition lock cylinder with the grooves in the lock cylinder housing. Push the ignition lock cylinder into the housing until the retaining tab sticks through the opening in the lock cylinder housing.
2. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key.
3. Install the lower steering column shroud and install the mounting screws.
4. Place the lower steering column cover into correct position on the lower instrument panel and engage the clip that secures the right side of the cover to the instrument panel.
5. Install the lower steering column mounting screws.
6. Install the mounting screws that hold the parking brake release handle to the instrument panel.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

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he ignition switch generally has four positions: off, accessories, on, and start. Some cars have two off positions, off and lock; one turns off the car, and the other allows the key to be removed from the ignition. When the key is turned to the accessories position, certain accessories, such as the radio, are powered; however, accessories that use too much battery power, such as window motors, remain off in order to prevent the car's battery from being drained. The accessories position uses the least amount of battery power when the engine is not running, which is why drive-in movie theaters recommend that the car be left in theaccessories mode during the movie.

The on position turns on all of the car's systems, including systems such as the fuel pump, because this is the position the ignition switch remains in while the car's engine is running. The start position is spring loaded so that the ignition switch will not remain there when the key is released. When the key is inserted into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turned to the start position, the starter engages; when the key is released, it returns to the on position, cutting power to the starter. This is because the engine runs at speeds that the starter cannot match, meaning that the starter gear must be retracted once the engine is running on its own.

Either the ignition switch or the lock cylinder may fail in a car, but both circumstances have very different symptoms. When the ignition switch fails, generally the electrical wiring or the plastic housing develops problems. The car may not turn on and/or start when this happens. Also, the spring-loaded start position could malfunction, in which case the starter will not engage unless the key is manually turned back to the on position.

When the lock cylinder malfunctions, however, the operation of the key itself will become problematic. If the tumblers become stripped, the lock cylinder may be able to turn with any key, or you may be able to remove the key when the car is on. If the tumblers begin to shift, the lock cylinder may not turn. Sometimes the key can be wiggled until the lock cylinder turns, but it is important to remember that this is only a temporary fix.

Replacing an ignition switch can be tricky business, particularly in newer cars, because of the anti-theft devices used in cars. Once the ignition switch is separated from the back of the lock cylinder, the car can be started with a screwdriver, making it vital that this switch be difficult to get to. It is important to consult a shop manual before attempting this kind of repair, as the anti-theft devices may require special tools; attempting to remove an ignition switch without the proper tools can render the car inoperable.

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This happens to me sometimes because the pressure of the steering lock is enough to keep me from being able to turn the key. Try moving the steering wheel while turning the key, if that doesn't work, flip the key over and try again (unless it is a one sided key), if that doesn't work, then you are likely looking at a bad lock cylinder and it will have to be replaced.

If turning the steering wheel to the left or right doesn't allow the key to turn, it sounds like your tumblers in the lock cylinder have failed. Unfortunately, there is no way to know when this is going to happen, but eventually, it happens. Not a real expensive fix. Replace the ignition/lock cylinder.

This is a pretty common problem on GM vehicles. This is what is happening. Your vehicle has switched itself into ANTITHEFT mode. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM. These 3 parts are in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, these parts are sending signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, the car goes into antitheft mode. The car thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is not getting that signal from YOUR specific key. There is where the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle.

Go to this link for a good link to help you http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK CYLINDER BROKEN. YOU NEED TO TURN OFF RADIO THEN DISCONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE WAIT 20 MINUTES UNTIL AIRBAGS DISCHARGE THEN LOWER STEERING COLUMN DONT LET COLUMN ROTATE DAMAGE SIR COIL.YOU NEED TO REMOVE 2 TORX SCREWS FROM UPPER SHROUD.LIFT UPPER SHROUD FOR ACCESS TO THE LOCK CYLINDER.HOLD KEY IN THE START POSITION AND USE A 1/16 INCH ALLEN WRENCH TO PUSH ON THE LOCK CYLINDER RETAINING PIN.RELEASE THE KEY TO THE RUN POSITION AND PULL THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK CYLINDER SET FROM THE MODULE ASSEMBLY.REMOVE THE UPPER SHROUD. THEN INSTALL THE UPPER SHROUD AND NEW LOCKCYLINDER WITH THE KEY INSTALLED TO THE LOCK CYLINDER AND TURN TO THE RUN POSITION MAKE SURE SECTOR IN THE LOCK MODULE IS ALSO IN THIS POSITION. INSTALL THE LOCK CYLINDER TO THE UPPER SHROUD THEN ALIGN THE LOCKING TAB AND POSITIONING TAB WUTH THE SLOTS IN THE LOCK MODULE ASSEMBLY WITH THE TABS ALIGNED CAREFULLY PUSH THE CYLINDER INTO POSITION. INSTALL THE UPPER SHROUD TORX HEAD RETAINING SCREWS AND TORQUE TO 12 INCH POUNDS. INSTALL THE LOWER SHROUD MAKING SURE THE SLOTS ON THE SHROUD ENGAGE WITH THE UPPER SHROUD TABS TILT THE LOWER SHROUD UPWARD AND SNAP THE SHROUDS TOGETHER. INSTALL 2 LOWER SHROUD PAN HEAD RETAINING SCREWS AND TORQUE TO 53 INCH LBS. MOVE THE SHIFT AND MULTIFUNCTION LEVER SEALS INTO POSITION THEN IF REMOVED INSTALL THE TILT LEVER BY ALIGNING AND PUSHING INWARD.POSITION THE SECURE THE STEERING COLUMN. PROPERLY ENABLE THE AIRBAGS SYSTEM BY RECONNECTING NEGATIVE BATTERY WAIT 5 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING VECHICLE AIRBAGS LIGHT WILL TURN OFF AFTER FEW SECONDS WHILE ENGINE RUNNING WHEN YOU FIRST START ENGINE.

Nope the tumblers in the ignition cylender are worn and bent causing the key to be stuck. Ask any locksmith and they will agree
replace it with new lock cylinder

The ignition key cylinder in a Buick unlocks the ignition and allows the Buick's engine to start. The cylinder contains a switch on the end of it (inside the cylinder) that sends an electric signal to the starter motor. When the ignition key cylinder fails, the Buick won't start. When this happens, you'll need a new ignition cylinder. Purchase replacement cylinders from Buick.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:

• Ignition key
• Punch pin
• Cross-point screwdriver

1. 1 Remove the screws on the bottom of the steering column on your Buick. These screws hold the steering column cover on. You may need to tilt the steering wheel to its highest position to access these screws.
   
2. 2 Turn the ignition key to the "II" position in the ignition cylinder.
   
3. 3 Slide the punch pin into the access slot on the bottom of the ignition cylinder.
   
4. 4 Push the pin all the way into the access slot while you pull the ignition cylinder out of the steering column.
   
5. 5 Insert the new ignition cylinder into the steering column with the key in the "II" position on the cylinder.
   
6. 6 Push the cylinder into the column until it "clicks," indicating that it is locked into the column.
   
7. 7 Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position.