Questions and Answers

Geo Prizm Ignition Lock Question Q. Hello, My wife has a 1996 Geo Prizm LSI. She randomly has problems with her key opening the door and turning the ignition. She usually gets it to work by wiggling or flipping the key upside down and trying it. This morning she tried and tried to turn the ignition, I tried also, but it was locked. I wiggled the steering wheel and the wiggled the gear shift. We tried our copy of the, but with no luck either. I was just wondering if this is a common problem with the Prizms or if you have any suggestions on where to look or how to fix. Thanks a lot, Josh

A. The double sided cut keys are very precise. If worn they will give you trouble. If you don't have an original key, give a dealer a call and talk to the parts dept. They can call GM and get your original key code (is it the original lock set in the car?). Most GM dealers have a key cutting machine that they can input this code into and have a new key duplicated. Let them cut one and try it before cutting any more.

The tumblers may be worn but I doubt it. If a new key still won't help, you will need to replace the lock sets for the car. This will include a new column ignition lock and all doors and trunk.