I have a '98 Malibu that my daughters drive.  My youngest went to start it this AM and the key wouldn't turn in the ignition.  I think because the steering wheel's not locked.  worked fine yesterday.  any one know how to fix or bypass this?  Thanks.

It could be the steering wheel is turned all the way to one side. That can physically lock the ignition switch on most any car. Try moving the wheel back and forth and see if the switch unlocks so it can start.

My wife's 98 Malibu's wheel doesn't lock, never did. Ignitions in the dash. Try another key. I had trouble with a two sided key in my work van until I tried the spare key I had. Threw the worn one away and had a copy made of the spare as backup.   Mike

I have a 2000.  I have two keys for it.  The one key works fine all the time no matter what. This one has the black molded plastic on it.  Probably the original key.

The second key I have is all metal (no molded plastic on it).  This one does not always turn.  It seems if I pull it out, flip it over and put it back in it is ok.  Sometimes I just have to giggle it around while turning it.  I'm guessing this was a copy of the original key.

Perhaps the key your daughter is using is a copy.  If you have other keys for it, try them.  Otherwise, try what I do with my 2nd key.

Good luck!

thanks guys but I've tried every key in the house forwards and back.  no luck.  turned the wheels all the way left and right also.  I thought they used to lock.  maybe my memory is locked like the switch.  sounds like this is a common problem with Malibus.

Every time I've seen this problem, it has always been a worn key. It could be that the keyways in the lock are stuck in the wrong position(gummy, etc.). Try spraying a small amount of WD-40 or similar product into the switch, and then run the key in & out, and jiggle it up & down. That usually works. If not, take the keys to the dealer, and have them cut a new key by the key code.(not just make a copy) The "beer-can" quality of keys these days jusy wear down quickly!

OK, tried the WD-40, didn't work.  got a new key at the dealer and that didn't work.  looks like I'll need a new ignition cylinder.  any car thieves, I mean mechanics out there who can tell me how to pull and replace the old one so I don't have to have it towed somewhere?  thanks guys, I appreciate your help.

Us car thieves would just rip it out and be done with it!!!
I haven't had the pleasure of pulling one out of the dash on a new car, but maybe someone here has access to AllData, and can get the info for you before too late.

Chevy steering columns are Chevy steering columns. If you've ever taken one apart in the past, you allready know how to do it. If the vehicle is equipped with an airbag, be sure to disconnect the battery before you think of touching the column. It is also a good idea to disable the airbag circuit under the dash, all wires for the airbag system are yellow. When you have the screws out of the airbag itself, always have it facing away from you. I've seen these things pop with the slightest static charge.

Once the airbag is out, go to town on the cylinder.

Good luck.

Alan

Thanks again guys.  I appreciate your help. Hank