I am the owner of a used 1996 Monte. I lost the ignition key last week, and of course do not have a replacement. I went to my local Chevrolet dealer to have a new one cut, and it does not work. The key goes into the ignition, but it will not turn over. I am thinking that the ignition has been replaced at one time by a previous owner. Any suggestions on what to do besides replacing my entire ignition? (and of course getting extra keys to my ignition when I find one that works)

 

Try going to a local locksmith

 

I'd go back to the dealer about that one since you payed them to do it. One of the cuts might not be cut all the way on the key. Also, does the new key have the resister piece in it? I wouldn't think that this would be the problem though because you can't even turn the key. So, go back and tell them what's going on. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try a locksmith next. The Chevy dealer has not been too helpful, and they would rather replace the ignition (probably so they can make more money). Anyway, the key does have one of those chips in it. Keep your fingers crossed that the locksmith works!

 

There are 15 different resistor chips that could possibly have been used in your key/ignition. If you don't have the correct one, the car will not start. Well, not right away anyhow. Even with the incorrect resistance, your car should still start after about 2 minutes. That's how long the computer disables the starter after an incorrect key has been used to attempt to start the car.

A GM dealer should be able to determine the resistance of your original key from their records (VIN vookup). I would go back to them and let them know that the key is apparently not a match. There is no need to replace the ignition.

I'm assuming here that when you say "The key goes into the ignition, but it will not turn over" that it's the engine that's not turning over. If it is the key that won't turn then, yea, someone may have replaced the ignition, or as Zipper said, the key is not cut correctly.