2006 ION key/ignition issue - won't turn to start

[atrus]

I've seen a bunch of these ignition switch issues, but mine sounds a little different; I'd love to hear from anybody if they've seen it, and whether the usual advice (swap out the ignition switch, and reprogram) is likely to help.

It's a 2006 Saturn ion quad coupe 4.

The story as I remember it:

A couple weeks ago, the car's horn started honking when I opened the door with the key, instead of the remote. That was weird, but easily worked around via the remote.

A few days ago, the key stopped turning past the "Run" position. (Marked 0 - off , ACC - accessory, I - run, and .... something else for "Start"). Power to the vehicle comes on fine, the battery's charged, and I can switch gears to neutral. The "Passlock" icon comes on for just 2-3 seconds, and then TURNS OFF, which seems to differ from most of the other reports.

For kicks, I've tried to apply the reprogramming procedure at least a couple different ways I've heard it described, (a) turning to run, then acc, wait 10 minutes, then repeat 2 more times before turning to off, waiting 10 seconds, and then attempting a start, and (b), the same, but switching to acc, then to run, instead of other way around.

This didn't help.

I've tried switching to neutral - no help turning the key further.

I'd appreciate any suggestions of a solution, or short-term workaround. From the sounds of it, replacing the ignition switch isn't too complicated, but I'd hate to pay for the part, wait several days for shipping, and then find out I'm no further ahead.

[atrus]

BTW, I've verified that my key and my wifes (which both worked a prior to this problem) exhibit the same problem now.

[fdryer]

The lock cylinder is faulty. Tried some lock lube?

[atrus]

I don't have any. Regular graphite-lock-lube okay?

It also seems really weird that a faulty cylinder would explain the cylinder turning partway, but not all the way. And that would leave the alarm on putting the key in the door as just a weird coincidence?

[fdryer]

Yes, lock lube and just a little. If this doesn't loosen the lock cylinder you'll have two choices; replace both ignition keys with new ones made by GM from the VIN and/or replace the worn out lock cylinder. Excessive amounts of keys hanging off this key chain has a habit of prematurely wearing out lock cylinders so if keys aren't separated into smaller groups then hanging weight off the ignition key can wear out lock cylinders.