I have a 91 RS and my ignition key is stuck in the mechanism. The key still works (thankfully) but I can't pull it out. How can I remove the cylinder to investigate the problem?

The cover on the steering column appears to be one peice and I see no way to remove it to disassemble the column to get to the ingition lock cylinder. In a previous car that I owned I could remove the 2-piece steering column cover to expose a small pin that held in the cylinder. How do I do this one a 91 Camaro?

 

You have to remove the steering wheel, then pull aside the turn signal mechanism, then there is a torx or phillips headed screw that holds the lock cylinder in by just skimming the cylinder. The screw goes under the cylinder about 1-1/2" in from the face of the lock.

 

Is your car an automatic? I’m not sure if I had the same type of problem as you but my key used to get stuck in the ignition as well. I could start the car but when you turn the engine off it feels like the key has to turn a little bit more before you can pull it out. What I found it to be was the shifter button on the automatic transmission was completely depressed so the ignition would not release the key. Try take the shifter in and out of park or play with the shifter button? All I did was take apart the shifter, messed around with the linkage and the played with the spring on the shifter button and it works fine now.

 

Thanks for the responses.

tpsierra - that seems like the kind of info I was looking for. I guess I'm gonna have to get a puller.

KenGTA88 - Yes it's an auto. I'll definately explore the shifter button idea before I do anything else.

 

KenGTA88 - your advice helped tremediously in solving my problem and it saved me alot of work. Thank you.

By pressing the shifter **** button completely the key turned back a little more and came right out. I think the plastic rod that connects the button to the lower mechanism has worn just enough to be slightly too short. I beleive I can come up with a permanent solution to the problem. At least now I can remove my key at will.

 

Hey no problem, I’m glad I could help.

 

I too had the problem with my key getting stuck but depressing the shift button a little harder made it easy to pull the key out.

My question to you Belker, did you find a replacement part for the shift button or did you get a new lock cylinder?

I am wondering what to do next to get it working right.

Thanks

 

Sounds like you have a different probelm but if it happens again try turning the steering wheel and make sure its locked side to side. Sometimes if it isn't the key wont come out so you have to turn the wheel till it locks and it should come out. Or just shift it out of park and then pack to park to kae sure its fully engaged in park.

 

The correct solution to all my ignition key problems was tought to me by Trickster. I adjusted my park/lock cable where it goes into the ignition switch under the dash and it now works completely normally.

See this thread for more info, diagram & instructions.
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=253647

 

I just had this problem with a '92 Grand prix I just bought, a locksmith couldn't figure out why I couldn't get my key out either! I was halfway through removing the steering wheel (for the 4th time!!! seeing as how with tilt steering I can't get to the ignition lock cylinder, no matter how hard I try!) and thought i'd check TGO, since GM is so unoriginal..... Lo and behold, the button on the auto shifter was sticking in, I noticed I could shift down from OD to 1st without pushing the button, never put 2 and 2 together.... Pull it out, and out comes the key.
The gift that keeps on giving ! Thanks!

 

I know this is an old thread, but I am kind of new to the 3rd G F-Body and this topic saved my sanity today.
It was already a rough day at work, then had to pay $40 for a tank of gas, and then when I went to Party City to buy and 1970's big hair wig to go with my 70's suit for Halloween I turnd of the car and hmm, key stuck in the ignition.
After running through the checks, car in park - yes, wheel not torqued to the side - yes not torqued, start car and turn off again, but still not letting go the key, it seemed like it would not quite turn back all the way, now my first thought is force it back, but somewhere deep in my brain a little voice said you'll break it and then you will really be p-off, so I scrapped the wig search picked up the kids from day care and came staight home. After dinner I ran to the computer brought up one of my favorite sites (yes this one) and typed "Key Stuck" in the search engine, read this thread, sounded like my problem (well this problem at least) I went back to the car, looked the the button on side of the shifter and sure enough it looked like it might be stuck in a little, I gave it a little flick, it popped out, I tried the key, it turned back to the right position and let go my key.
$0 spent, that is the best.
Thank to the 3rd G website and all the people who share knowledge about these cars.

Now, does anyone know where to find a site like this about women, I have so many techincal questions.

 

HAHA!Yes,Iam interested in that to,ANYONE?