HELP key won't go in ignition

[frankie591]

I need some help here guys!

My key which has worked fine forever will not go into my ignition. It is like the ignition doesn't know what position it is in.

When I wrench the wheel from side to side which would normally lock the steering wheel, it doesn't lock. I am able to just turn the steering wheel normally from stop to stop.

Anybody know what I can do to fix this??

[Dakotademon7]

I have no idea if this will work but put the key in as far as it will and turn pressing in at the same time.

[frankie591]

It won't go in at all. There's a white plastic tooth thing at the very start of the lock cylinder and I think that is jammed. I think I might be screwed because I think you have to have they hey in the cylinder in order to disassemble the lock cylinder.

Anybody else have any info?

[spdracrm3]

never had an ignition lock cylinder apart as its usually sold as a complete tumbler assembly from dealer already keyed , so dont know what the plastic thing would be thats in the way of the slot ,is there anyway you can try to move it around/out of the way with a small pick or screwdriver ? nobody is playing a prank on you and jammed something in there i hope...

you are right about needing key in ign and it turned about 30 deg to align pin hole for inserting a 3mm wire in to release the tumbler to remove it so if its stuck part way such that key cant go in you may be looking for a new/used column lock assembly , they are very difficult to remove with hammer and chisel (intentionally) the outer black ring you see is case hardened so would have to be cut with torch our cutoff wheel most likely damaging the housing by the time you got it out that way!

[4x4_e30]

I've pulled 4 or 5 steering wheels at the junkyard without the key. Big freakin hammer, no chisel. It makes things much easier when you don't care about the column.

One time I was in a parking lot and my key decided it wouldn't turn. Busted out the BFH, and wailed on the thing for about 15 minutes. Couldn't get it to crack open like the junkyard cars, but when I put the key back in it the lock cylinder worked. Still works to this day. My car still had the OEM lock cylinder.

If the ring is black, you have to cut it. If its a lighter color (non OEM replacement), the ring should break apart with little effort and a BFH.

I'd give it a couple solid whacks and see if that pin doesn't return.