Help! Car recieved new battery today after sitting for month. I knew it needed one. This is not a daily driver so does not get used much. Put in a new battery and all I get is overhead lamp and accessories jingle.I can't turn the ignition key - No lights, radio, anything. Any thoughts? A relay maybe?

John 89 740Turbo 180K

Is it that the Key cylinder doesn't move or does the key turn but the engine doesn't crank over? Two thoughts come to mind:

1) Is you Steering wheel locked? If it is, wiggle the wheel a little and see if you can turn the key to start the car.

2) If the car doesn't crank but you can turn the key, is the transmission in Park or neutral? If the trannie is is one of these positions then maybe something about the transmission shifter out of alignment thus preventing the car from cranking over.

Just 2 simple thoughts from a simple guy,

Tim

Thanks for replying, wheels are straight and my thought was the locked steering wheel and transmission so I jiggled the wheel back and forth and moved the transmission lever with no change. I simply cannot turn the key in the ignition.

Don't know what else you've tried, but here's what I'd try.

1. Try a different key.

2. Spray some graphite lubricant, or other type of lock lubicant on the key.

3. Move the key slightly in and out as you try to turn.

Thanks for the help! Simple things drive you the craziest.