97 Subaru Ignition Key won't turn

[D.Stone.Design]

I have seen this posted before without a reply and would rather not
have my car towed If I can fix it myself.

My ingnition key will not turn in the lock. I have tried the usual
turning the wheel while turning the key, moving it up and down, etc.
Nothing works.

I have an Automatic. The manual says there is an override switch under
a cover in the steering column. I removed the cover but no sort of
switch can be seen.

If someone could tell me how to find this switch that would be great...
also if the ignition lock needs to be replaced, could this be done by
someone with a moderate amount of mechanical knowledge.

I may need to get some work on it anyways because the power locks will
only unlock and the pins are broken in the rear door so it can't be
locked or unlocked, but some help in the meantime would be great.

 

[Edward Hayes]

The switch is under the shift lever cover on the console. My manual
shows a screw driver being inserted to trip the switch.

 

[D.Stone.Design]

The switch is under the shift lever cover on the console. My manual
shows a screw driver being inserted to trip the switch.

I pulled off the cover but could not find the switch, and I am a little
hesitant to start twiddling a screwdrive in there blind... what sort of
damage can I do if I try to remove the steering wheel column cover?

 

[Kurt Krueger]

If someone could tell me how to find this switch that would be great...
also if the ignition lock needs to be replaced, could this be done by
someone with a moderate amount of mechanical knowledge.

Been a long time since I messed with one, but I can't imagine that things
have changed much. You'll have to drill the mounting bolts out. Installing
the new one should be easy. But you're working in tight quarters and getting
the parts of the steering column off can be tricky. Helps to have a manual
handy because on some cars they are held on with clips or tabs. After you remove
the bolts you have to know when to use force.

 

[bj]

page 7-13 of your owners manual

remove three screws securing the undercover of steering
column(screwdriver is in tool bag)
remove undercover
turn the ignition key while pressing the pressing the interlock release
lever (pic in manual)
it is a little lever up inside a small window under the steering wheel

should do it

then it says take subaru to a dealer to have it repaired...

 

[Guest]

What a coincidence - my 03 Forrester has started doing the exact same
thing! On occasion the key just will not turn. So far all I've had
to do is simply re-insert the key. The door chimes ding so something knows
the key has been inserted. I switched keys and it seems to be a bit better.
Fails maybe once every 3 weeks. I don't remember anything about an override
switch, but I'll have to look. I do know of the transmission override
switch on the center console, but that's for a different problem.


(e-mail address removed) wrote in @i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

 

[Kurt Krueger]

Another possibility is a worn key. The end tends to wear down and then
the key goes in too far. Getting a new one cut from the code would be
worth trying. Some dealers do it for free.