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If the key won't turn, for practical purposes the cylinder cannot be removed and the lock assembly must be replaced, though you might be lucky and find a slide hammer will remove the cylinder without causing too much damage to the lock.
It is possible, as the key won't turn, the lock is the trouble and not the cylinder...
There should be a button inside the column that you push in, or a bolt to remove, been awhile since I did one. You may need to have the key in the lock cylinder and turn the lock cylinder.
It is something you can do yourself (for alot less money)
I am assuming you are removing just the Lock Cylinder and not the entire Ignition switch?
For JUST the Lock Cylinder:
1. Disconnect the negative side of the battery.
2. Remove the lower steering column cover under the steering column. It has three (3) screws.
3. Insert the Key and turn to the RUN position.
4. Using a small screw driver - depress the Lock Retaining Tab. It is located right of center on the column in the area of the Key insertion area.
5. Remove the Lock Cylinder.
To Install:
1. Insert the Lock Cylinder in the "Lock" Position.
2. While pushing in - insert the Key and turn it clockwise to the Run Position.
Let me know if this helped. If it is the entire Ignition Switch, let me know with an email to this post. I will send the additional infomation (for free).
Sounds like the ignition luck cylinder are worn and needs to be replaced. There are tumblers in the cylinder lock that will seize up due to dirt and metal filings from the key it self. Try spraying some lock cleaner and lube in the ignition cylinder and have a new key cut if the key's it self is worn out. Good luck and hope you do not have to replace the lock. Keep me posted.
If your key is worn try getting a new one cut. The ignition lock cylinder and keys do not contain any
coded electronic components. The lock cylinder housing contains the coded
electronic components. Changing an ignition lock cylinder or replacing a key
is a purely mechanical process which does not affect the vehicle theft deterrent
system. To replace an existing key, simply cut a new key to match the existing
one. If no keys are available, the lock cylinder must be changed.
To change the lock cylinder, simply replace the existing lock cylinder with
one of the same type. If you are unable to operate the ignition cylinder with a new key then you will probably need to replace the cylinder and switch.Replacement of the switch involves reprogramming The system may be programmed with or without a scan tool. There is a way to get the cylinder out without replacing the switch but this procedure should be performed by a qualified GM technician as it involves removal of the switch and some precise drilling.
you need to call a locksmith to come to your home. They will replace one or more of the tumblers/cylinders inside the ignition key area. The EXACT same thing happened to me. The Chrysler dealership wanted to charge me over $400 to fix the problem. My wonderful mobile locksmith knew exactly what was srong the nanosecond I mentions the make and model! $49.00 later - FIXED! good luck!
hi markjones, the ignition switch can usually be removed without too much disassembly. First you will need to remove a plastic screw in the upper and lower trim covers. Seperate the covers. You should see a black plastic ring around the mechanical switch. gentley remove the ring. Next remove the rubber o-ring/band. With the key in the iginition and turned to almost to position 1, insert a heavy duty paper clip, or bmw special tool (about $30 from the dealer) into the small hole in the switch. There is a cam in the hole that needs to be twisted clockwise so the cylinder can be removed. When installing a new switch make sure to remove the little tab pice of metal that usually breaks off in the housing. Also be sure to make sure and reinstall the rubber ring/band because they are part of the ews system. If you key turns continuously, or is not able to be removed, the ignition housing and cylinder both will need replaced. Replacing the lock housing is about a 2 hour sequence and can be challenging. I would recommend a shop for that kind of repair.
the plastic covers (on the column) come off with just 4 screw in most cases, they are inside holes in the bottom part of the cover, once u get these off u will have to replace the ighnition lock cylinder, a pin inside that cylinder has broken, this is what is keeping it from turning.
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