QUOTE: Ok, went to back out of the garage, put the key in, turned it and it wont turn on. It will turn just a little bit (almost to the acc position, the radio will actually come on and the shifter will "unlock") but the key will turn no further.

It'* hard to understand now an electrical relay can effect a mechanical function of an ignition switch. It would be good to learn why and how......

I've had the problem of the ignition switch occasionally not turning. I was convinced it was the common problem of the ignition switch going bad. I was prepared to swap it out as soon as it gets worse... But now I'm wondering.......

I'm 100% with you. I don't understand it either and i highly doubt a relay can cause you to or not to turn your key in the ignition. That'* why i asked the original poster if he could put the "bad" relay back in to duplicate the situation so we can rule one thing or another out. He has yet to respond.

In your case, it is cheaper to swap relays like he did to see what happens, but i'm guessing it won't make a difference. Worth a try though?

I would put the relay back however first i have to take the back seat out to access the fuse box. And also because i have no idea what relay it was. I just took anything that said "igntion" in the name and swapped it with another relay that wasn't ignition related and I didn't use any particular method to it so im not really sure what relay went there.

Like I said before, this is very interesting.
So there must be a solenoid in the ignition switch that is activated by that relay.

Nope, not even worth a try here. I know it'* my wife'* large set (of keys) that has my switch acting up. :P

My 2001 bonneville started not letting me move the key to start the car yesterday. I swapped keys, and it still does it occasionally. I am going on a trip in that car next week, and need to get this thing repaired. I called my local guy, and he said he thought replaceing the key cylender would stop the problem. Sometimes they just wear out after 7 years.

Am I wasting my money doing that, or is that the best first step. Cost about $100 parts and labor.

I need advice please.
Thanks,
Bill

You could try the Lock-Ease as mentioned by Mark above and if that doesn't work in a day or so, i'd have a new lock cylinder put in.

I tried a little graphite powder, but I'm not sure there was much in the tube. I'm going to get some lock ease today. I also have just left the key in the ignition permanatley for the time being, and use my key fob lock to lock and unlock the car. That has worked so far too.

One thing that can get you by in a pinch is lifting the key up slightly when it sticks. Another thing that my wife discovered was to open the driver door and close it and then it will turn. I think that when the key sticks/malfunctions it may confuse the safety/alarm features and it will not turn until it resets. Opening and closing the door resets it....