Ran into a problem with my 2002 tl type s the other day. Morning drive into work was normal as any other day. That all changed when time to go home. Key was inserted as normal and tried to turn it with no success. Did it a few times and still no movement. Thought it might have been shifter not in park position so I removed the key and inserted it into key slot to move shifter. It was in park and I moved it to neutral. Tried the key in the ignition and still same result. A few of my coworkers tried it also with no avail. The whole time the steering wheel was not in the locked position at all. After doing this for about 45 minutes I finally gave up. Got it towed to my place as now it just sits on the street lifeless. Any suggestions as to what might be the problem. 2002 tl type s with about 260xxx on the dial.

 

Take it apart and see if you can diagnose it that way. Maybe a couple of squirts of penetrating oil will un jam it.

 

I would replace your brake pedal switch first then the key itself. As the key gets older the edges round and essentially wont fit anymore.

 

You may want to try a different key or possibly have a new key made. I believe I have read that the ignition cylinder has been known to go on the 2nd gen TL.

 

I've got two keys when I purchased the car. Both were fine before this situation. Now both won't turn at all.

 

i went back out today to see if I had any luck in turning the key. I've noticed the key doesn't quite go all the way in. So if you could imagine the key about 1/4 inch or so of the metal still showing. There is no chime sound signaling the key is fully inserted. So my thinking is that's the problem with it not turning. Who do I call? Mobile locksmith?