88 caprice classic ignition switch problem

45

Asked by balew100 May 21, 2021 at 10:05 PM about the 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So I went to start my car and the ignition wouldn't
turn all the way like it was locked so I turned the
wheel put it in neutral my breaks were locked up I
couldn't get it to turn over it was locked up I never
had this happen ever it was working fine yesterday
please help

7 Answers

27,530

if key won't turn, maybe something wrong with key cylinder or ignition switch? Can you turn key to on/run position, do the dash lites come on? If so, I was thinking about jumping the starter solenoid to see if vehicle will start and run? I guess your saying the starter won't crank the engine? If you try jumping the starter solenoid, make sure transmission is in park or neutral and parking brake is set. Vehicle can't move. good luck

2 people found this helpful.
45

I can turn the key enough to engage the starter dash lights work and everything but after that its locked up and I can't turn it anymore figured ignition switch is bad since it is a 30 year old car and I do daily drive it, thanks P.s sorry for all the post my phone has been acting weird

1 people found this helpful.
27,530

The starter does crank the engine, then? if so, the engine isn't seized. Make sure battery has a full charge and connections all good. Have helper crank it while you check for spark--fuel-- compression--timing--all that good stuff. any applicable trouble codes? All you need with the key is crank--run and off--lock.

45

Yeah nothings wrong with the engine or anything I just put a new battery in a few weeks ago i had the oil changed last week I was driving it yesterday parked for a few hours than had to run to the store and when I tried to start my car I couldn't get the key to turn all the way it would get stuck after the 2nd click the ignition wouldn't turn anymore

1 people found this helpful.
157,555

Most likely it's the rack and sector assembly in the steering column. This is what moves the actual ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column when you turn the key. It's a common failure point of this era of GMs. Hope that helps! Jim

45

Yeah that makes way more sense thanks for the help i really do appreciate it

1 people found this helpful.

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