I just went to do my periodic start up of my 84 T/A and the key won't turn. Not at all. Is there some kind of key lock that can go bad? I tried turning the steering wheel a little bit, that sometimes prevents the key from turning, but nothing. I've wanted to replace the lock assembly for a while anyway. I broke off the outer piece some time ago. Any ideas what's wrong? How do I remove the lock assembly without messing up the column? Thanks. ---Rich

 

lock cylinders do go bad after a while. i had to change mine a couple months back. are you sure the car is in park and the shifter linkage is ok? does the key turn at all in any direction or does it feel like its jammed? if it is the only thing u can do is replace it. your 84 doesnt have vats so you may be able to just go into an autoparts store and buy a generic GM lock cylinder and key but my 90 had vats which i wanted to keep so i got a cylidner and key at the dealership for about 75 dollars.

its not too hard to change the lock cylinder but a repair manual will definetely help. basically all you do tho is take the wheel off (use a puller) and take some of the blinker cam stuff out of the way and unbolt the cylinder and replace. no airbag in your car so its even a little easier but having a manual definetely wont hurt.

good luck

 

I tried moving the shifter to see if that was it and nothing. The key goes in all the way but doesn't budge at all. It doesn't sound like a big deal so I'll just replace it. I wasn't sure if the wheel had to come off or if there was a special tool. Thanks for the info.

 

that is probably a worn cylinder, but it could be a worn key, and getting a copy wont do any good since u are only copying a worn key, so u will have a new worn copy