How do I get the cable to release on a 2002 chevy silverado 3500 steering column shift mechanism

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The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.REMOVAL 1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery. 2. If equipped with an automatic transmission, place shifter in PARK position. 3. Rotate key to ON position.4. A release tang is located on bottom of key cylinder.5. Position a small screwdriver or pin punch into tang access hole on bottom of steering column lower cover.INSTALLATION 1. If equipped with an automatic transmission, place shifter in PARK position. 2. Position key cylinder into steering column as it would normally be in the ON position. 3. Press key cylinder into column until it snaps into position. 4. Check mechanical operation of switch. Automatic Transmission: Be sure transmission lever is locked in PARK position after key removal. If key is difficult to rotate or is difficult to remove, the shift lever-to-steering column cable may be out of adjustment or defective. If key can be removed, release lever mechanism may be defective. Release lever mechanism is not serviced separately. If repair is necessary, the steering column must be replaced. 5. Connect negative cable to battery. 6. Check electrical operation of switch.

Could be a bad ignition lock cylinder, or could be the cable that goes from the shift lever to the steering column. If key won't turn at all it's probably the lock cylinder. If it turns forward but not back all the way the probably the cable. Hope that helps.

Check spark plugs, leads, distributor cap & rotor arm, fuel pump, fuel filter, coil pack(s), relays, replace any items that are suspect IE Fuel filter which has probably not been changed since new even though they should be changed on all vehicles every 18 months, all of this can be done at home & will save you a lot of bucks in mechanic/garage fees,

try it with the key in acc position you might have a bad brake switch or bad release solenoid

I did'nt know if you had a FLOOR SHIFT , COLUMN SHIFT EXPORT OR COLUMN SHIFT
So here is the most common....the COLUMN SHIFT....

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable
2. Remove the console glove compartment. Disconnect the power point electrical connector. If equipped, disconnect the cellular phone antenna cable and coaxial cable from the console glove compartment. If equipped, disconnect the cellular phone antenna cable and coaxial cable.
3. If equipped, remove the compact disc changer. Remove the screws. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the digital audio compact disc player.
4. Place the gearshift lever in the 1 position.
5. Remove the console top panel. Disconnect the cigar lighter electrical connector.
6. Remove the floor console to floor bracket screws.
7. Remove the floor console to gearshift bracket screws.
8. Remove the floor console. Slide the floor console rearward. Remove the floor console. Disconnect the three electrical connectors. CAUTION
   Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.
   
9. Remove the passenger side air bag module. WARNING
   Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) vehicle and when handling an air bag module. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment. WARNING
   Carry a live air bag module with the air bag and deployment door pointed away from your body. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment. WARNING
   Do not set a live air bag module down with the deployment door face down. This will reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accidental deployment.
   
10. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute.
11. Push in on the two glove compartment door tabs and position downward.
12. Disconnect the passenger air bag module electrical connector. Remove the passenger air bag module retaining bolts.
13. Remove the passenger air bag module. Note: When the battery is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 mi) or more to relearn the strategy.
14. If equipped, remove the rear seat climate control air duct sleeve.
15. Remove the steering column. CAUTION
    Do not remove the steering column, steering wheel and air bag module as an assembly from the vehicle. Unless the steering column is locked to prevent rotation; or the lower end of the steering shaft is wired to prevent the steering wheel from being rotated, damage to the air bag sliding contact will occur. NOTE: All steering column components are assembled with specific fasteners. They are designed with a thread locking system to prevent loosening due to vibrations associated with normal vehicle operation. Make sure vehicle front wheels are in the straight-ahead position
    
16. Remove the ignition switch lock
17. Remove the steering wheel.
18. Remove the air bag sliding contact.
19. Remove the tilt wheel handle and shank by unscrewing it from the steering column.
20. Remove the four upper and lower steering column shroud retaining screws. Remove the upper steering column shroud and lower steering column shroud.
21. Remove the lower instrument panel trim cover.
22. Unsnap the steering column lower trim panel.
23. Remove the release lever hood retaining screws.
24. Remove the brake release retaining screws.
25. Remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement
26. Remove the instrument panel reinforcement brace.
27. Disconnect the shift cable and bracket from the steering column by removing two screws.
28. Disconnect the transmission shift cable loop from the shift tube hook (column shift).
29. Remove the two multi-function switch retaining screws and set the multi-function switch aside.
30. Remove the retaining screw and remove the wiring connector from the ignition switch.
31. Remove two front steering column nuts and the steering column impact absorber
32. Remove the pinch bolt from the steering column lower yoke.
33. While supporting the column assembly, remove two rear column assembly retaining nuts.
34. Disconnect the shift cable and bracket from the selector lever pivot. Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column shift tube lever. Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column bracket.
35. Remove the shift cable and bracket from the lower column mounting.
36. Remove two shift lock actuator-retaining screws and remove the shift lock actuator (console shift only).
37. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.
38. Release the cable from the parking brake actuator.
39. Release the cable conduit from the parking brake actuator.
40. To disconnect the driver's side outboard bulkhead electrical connector. Loosen the bolt. Disconnect the driver's side bulkhead electrical connector.
41. To disconnect the driver's side inboard bulkhead electrical connector. Loosen the bolt. Disconnect the driver's side bulkhead electrical connector.
42. If equipped, disconnect the heated seat switch electrical connectors.
43. Remove the steering column mounting support to instrument cowl brace bolts.
44. Remove the instrument panel dash brace to instrument panel bolt.
45. Loosen the nut that secures the instrument panel dash brace. Position the instrument panel dash brace aside.
46. Remove the pin-type retainers. Remove the passenger side instrument panel insulator. Remove the courtesy lamp.
47. Disconnect the vacuum harness connector.
48. Disconnect the in-line electrical harness connector.
49. Position the passenger side scuff plate aside.
50. Remove the passenger side cowl trim panel.

You either have a bad switch or the wires have lost contact.
The tow/haul switch is part of the shift lever and is not replaceable without changing the shift lever. The electrical connector is located inside the steering column covers. These wires have been known to part.

The neddle is attached to the column via a thin metal wire and spring which then clips to the edge. Remove the trim above the column and look for the clip attached to the wire and a warn spot on the column and reattach it. :)

it takes a special puller to remove the steering wheel. the air bag just pops out with a release tool in the release hole on the side of the steering wheel