You are here:

Cadillac Repair/2002 Cadillac DHS ignition

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/24/2010


Question
My keys will not go into the ignition. What do I need to do?

Answer
Hello,

None of this is recalled, but there were problems with the GM 10 cut lock and key.

You could get ripped off having the car towed to the dealer or you could call a locksmith that will come to you and either repair or replace the lock for a lot cheaper than the dealer would. Same identical parts as well.

After towing and the dealer's parts and labor you might be looking at $500 compared to $100.

Don't try to force key. It will just cost you more.

If my answer helped you, please rate it.

Thanks

thank you for the rating. I have found it quite common for a tumbler to drop in these locks, blocking the keyway. Even if the locksmith can fix the lock, I am concerned it will happen again. Have the locksmith replace the lock and he can code the cuts to your door lock as well.

Cadillac Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Rob Painter

Expertise

Alarm system questions cannot be answered on this forum. These systems are not what I can answer. Without being physically at the vehicle and not knowing what kind of electrical service has been done on the vehicle, there is no possible way to give an accurate answer over the internet. My expertise is in Ignition/key based anti-theft systems. These issues include GM VATS (resistor chip in key blade) PASSLOCK (MRD)-ignition lock rotation based, no special ignition key and the PKIII Transponder (computer chip in key) systems. These systems are not alarm based and are integral with the starting of the engine. This is why I cannot diagnose alarm problems without physically looking at the vehicle: Alarm systems are a completely different annimal than ignition key/lock based anti-theft system. Many alarm questions come from vehicles 10 years old, and since older, many hands that had been involved over the years.I am an expert in all GM factory (ignition/key based)systems. Alarm system questions pose to many situations beyond my knowledge as to what has been done to the vehicle over the years. Some guy may have actually wired the stereo into the alarm system. Who knows? Over my past 30 years in vehicle wiring repair, I have seen unbelievable wiring disaters done by guys that consider themselves "mechanics." I have seen stereos and alarms intalled using surgical tape. I have seen modules burn up, un-fused circuits, wiring jambed between the doors and even lamp cord used for a starter kill. To answer alarm questions over the internet without examining the vehicle is like asking; What does it take to remove a dent?

Experience

Education/Credentials-ASE certified. 11 years with a GM dealer and 17 years with a repair facility dealing with only the repair of theft recovered vehicles.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.