Pontiac Repair: 2000 pontiac firebird will not start, pontiac firebird, lock cylinder

Question
I did not drive my 2000 pontiac firebird all day, and the next day when I tried to start it, it would not start.  All other lights, the battery, dashlights and everything else were all working properly.  When I tried to crank it, there was no sound whatsoever (no clicking).  I've checked the starter, & replaced it, but it's still not starting.  There is a security light that blinks when the other dash lights are on.  I've also tried to crank it after cleaning the key & waiting 3 minutes...but that doesn't work.  The fuel tank is half full, but it seems like the fuel and starter have locked up somehow.  I don't know where the ignition switch is...where can I locate it, what does it look like, & is it some kind of relay?  Please help!  Thanks:)

Answer
Hi Sara:

the fact that the security lamp is flashing indicates that there is a fault in the factory secuity system if yiu tried both keys and it still will not crank then there is a fault with the system and not the key. more than likely the ignition lock cylinder has failed. the lock cylinder reads the pellet in the key whenyou insert it to the cylinder. the wires on that have a tendency to break after time. This is a job for a dealer due to the fact that the top of the steering column has to be disassembled to get to the lock cylinder and with the air bag in the steering wheel it's not a job for the do it your self repair person sorry tosay. you are looking at maybe a $400.00 repair for parts and labor. when this is fixed you will alos get 2 new ignition keys to match the new cylinder. Good luck :}