Auto Parts: ignition switch on 2002 saturn L100 4 cylinders, automatic, saturn l100, steering wheel

Question
QUESTION: I have had a couple times when my ignition switch wasn't working. One time i was parked on a slope and i couldn't turn my key , I tried turning the wheel some and moving the shift lever.After awhile it started. Everything was dead until it started.Is this the ignition switch or the way the car might have been parked?

ANSWER: Hi Terry,

I thought I sent my response to you the other  day, so if you get a double reply I'm sorry- sometimes this webpage does that.

Anyway, I can certainly say the slope of the vehicle should not affect whethre or not you can turn the key. Are you saying that you can turn the key but nothing happens and there's no power, or are you saying that the ignition locks up and you can't turn the key at all?

Christina

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QUESTION: Christina,

Actually both cases are true. I can turn the switch but theres no power then the next try the key will not turn. After moving the steering wheel back and forth even just a little it then starts to allows me to turn the key and eventually it starts. This has only happened like twice over the past two months. Thanks for your help, Terry

Answer
Could be a bad ignition switch- or a switch GOING bad. If you think you can get into the column by yourself go ahead and look into replacing it, otherwise talk to your local mechanic or dealer about having it replaced. Something like that could only get worse then you won't be able to turn your car on at all.

Christina