I have seen other posts on here about this, but there doesn't seem to be a good thread with a solution and explanation. My 2001 just stopped turning without explanation this afternoon. It is like it is stuck in the off position.

In the owners manual it talks about if you cannot turn the key to try your other key and if that one does not work, the car requires service. So it seems to me Pontiac knows what this is and knows the solution for it.

So, has anyone else run into this and knows what the solution to it is? This should probably be on the common problems thread once we get this answered here.

i have the same problem , any luck yet ,thanks

Other then changing the key switch, you can spray some WD40 on the key and insert it. That may clean up the switch.

thanks dan , heres alittle on what happened , someone tried to start our car with the wrong keys , now the correct key will not turn the ignition , we can start it with the autostart but of course it just dies when we tap the brake , is it possible it has something to do with the anttheft device since it has that smart key system 2001 bonneville thanks for any help

I would guess a tumbler got jamed. The WD40 may loosen that.

So now the firefighter comes out in me. If you are going to use WD40 on an electrical component, I would recommend that you remove it from the electrical source, use the spray, wipe it down and let it air dry before applying power back to it. WD40 has a flash point of 131F and certainly is not as volatile as other solvents, but still capable of ruining your day if it ignites. I would recommend that after using the WD40 on the bench, then use a solvent that is made for electrical components like a MAF cleaner spray. That should help remove all remnants of the WD40.

Spray it on the key, not in to the lock. Sorry, not clear on that.

No reason to be sorry. I knew what you meant, but not sure how others would see it and I imagined a can being liberally sprayed into an ignition switch. All is good!

I need to make sure what I say is clear. And sometimes I need to be reminded of that. Thanks

Sometimes a steering wheel under pressure from where it is parked can in the locked position make it difficult to turn the key. It would be great if all you had to do is turn the wheel back and forth to unlock the ignition. This has happen to me from time to time not just bonnevilles any rig.Good luck