Removing the ignition lock from the steering Column.

[Speedracer81]

As the post states above, I don't know how the heck this works. I turn the key to position one, insert the 1 mil diameter nail in there and it feels like when I'm about half an inch in, the damn thing gets stuck on something and I can't figure out whats happening. after about an hour of trying anything I can think of, Im at a loss. does anyone have any ideas??

Thanks in advance.

[RobDog]

This can be a real pain in the ass to remove sometimes. I screwed with the ignition lock for a little over an hour until I was so mad my dad could heard me cursing from across the street and came to help. My dad is not good for much more that holding a wrench, but he got it out in less than 5 minutes and made me feel like an ass.

So after getting my ass kick I made these observations and took notes for the next ignition switch battle. There is a latch that the nail is suppose to catch, that lifts the locking pin, freeing the ignition switch. The locking pin is a tight fit so pulling on the ignition switch will jam the pin, making things worse. Try pushing the ignition in to take any tension off the pin, while working at it with the nail. The ignition will pop out own its own, no pulling is needed. I got my replacement ignition from my parts car in 10 minutes doing it this way.

If that does not work than take off the steering wheel and the lower steering column cover. You should be able to see the whole ignition switch assembly. On the assembly the locking pin is visible and might be able to push the pin manually. I have not done it this way, but it looks like it might work.

[Speedracer81]

This can be a real pain in the ass to remove sometimes. I screwed with the ignition lock for a little over an hour until I was so mad my dad could heard me cursing from across the street and came to help. My dad is not good for much more that holding a wrench, but he got it out in less than 5 minutes and made me feel like an ass.

So after getting my ass kick I made these observations and took notes for the next ignition switch battle. There is a latch that the nail is suppose to catch, that lifts the locking pin, freeing the ignition switch. The locking pin is a tight fit so pulling on the ignition switch will jam the pin, making things worse. Try pushing the ignition in to take any tension off the pin, while working at it with the nail. The ignition will pop out own its own, no pulling is needed. I got my replacement ignition from my parts car in 10 minutes doing it this way.

If that does not work than take off the steering wheel and the lower steering column cover. You should be able to see the whole ignition switch assembly. On the assembly the locking pin is visible and might be able to push the pin manually. I have not done it this way, but it looks like it might work.

I'll give it a try! Every DIY I found about this never had any pieces of advice to make it easier. Thank you for the help!