Q: I have a 05 Chevy impala that the ignition switch won't turn. Is there a way to free it so my spare will start the car

asked by on October 30, 2016

Spare key won't unlock my ignition switch

Ignition Switch Replacement $178.14 - $866.79 Get a Quote

Hey there. The 2000-2005 Chevy Impala models are included in the GM Ignition Switch Recall. You should contact your local Chevy dealer with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and/or go to the safercar.gov website to check your VIN number for open recalls. Your vehicle should be part of the recall and the ignition switch should be replaced free of charge.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I send and receive text messages with Uconnect?
If your cell phone is paired with your Uconnect system, then you can send and receive text messages while you’re driving, hands free. Here’s how. When you receive a message, the Uconnect system will announce it over your speaker system....
I need to pass smog test.
Hello. When a vehicle sits for this long there can be a number of issues keeping it from starting and running right. You do need to replace the battery, and you should replace all of the fluids before starting it...
Serious oil leak
Hello. Although head gaskets can leak oil, it is not a common cause of oil leaks. More common areas of oil leaks are the oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter cap, or the oil filter housing gasket. Before...
Want to replace the second row bench seat in my van with captain's chairs
Hi there. The same mounting areas are there on both vans. The carpet is different so it will not look right with the captains chairs unless you replace the carpet, too. Other than that, as long as you get the...
Two mechanics have not been able to repair misfire.
Hi there. Check the intake for a possible vacuum leak around the cylinder 4. If there is no vacuum leak around the cylinder number 4, then there could be a burned valve. Check the compression on all of the cylinders...
Truck wont shift into third gear after going over 25 mph 2005 Ford Expedition
Hello - most likely the direct clutch in your transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/does-an-automatic-transmission-have-a-clutch) has failed, and a transmission rebuild is in order. Less likely, but possible - is a throttle position sensor failure. I would recommend a transmission inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/gears-slipping-when-accelerating-inspection) by a...
Hi. I have an 04 avalanche the brake system seem to have locked up while i was driving. can u tell what it might be? its makes a l
Hi there. Your 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche should have an anti-lock braking system; which in most cases will restrict the braking to ensure this doesn't occur. However, there are some things that will restrict the ABS from working as it should...
My tail-brake lights are not working, but my top brake light is working, and the taillights are on when the headlights are on
There is wiring in the trunk to the brake lights and if the wiring is exposed yes it is possible to damage the circuit, thus causing the outage that you are writing in about. In any event, a problem such...
My Bmw is throwing a code for system to lean, to much oxygen and not enough gas.
As the codes indicate, this means there is a lean fuel condition which may be caused by a lack of fuel supply or in some cases, a vacuum leak as you describe near the cold air intake. When a vacuum...

Related articles

How Car Keypad Locks Work
Pioneered Pioneered by Ford, keypads let you lock, unlock without keys Pioneered by Ford, keypad door systems began appearing on high-end car and SUV products in the early 1980s. Ford took advantage of the then-new digital computer revolution – the...
2012 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra: Which One Should I Buy?
When you’re looking for a four-door sedan, you’re likely interested in a smaller family car that still offers decent styling and looks, great gas mileage, and a comfortable interior that will keep your family safe as you’re driving. While not...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alaska in 2012
Alaska Alaska requires a different kind of vehicle to handle both the terrain and the wintery conditions. While some of the most popular options for the Alaskan terrain in previous years included options such as the Subaru Forester and the...