Went to start my car, started fine, figured out the car thinks it stuck in the "crank" position i.e. no power windows, temp gauge is pegged, E-brake like on even though the brake is off, etc. I got the car home and also noticed that the alt. isn't functioning since the car promptly stalled out when I disconnected the battery.

Questions... How do I get the keys out? Any clue on what to do/how to fix this problem?(tear apart streering column?) I got the keys to shut off the engine one time, but car almost didn't re-start(side of road) and definately can't get them out now, I tried for 15-20 min playing with the steering wheel, key lock lever etc...

 

Try checking out the lockout on the trans.Its connected to the gear selector cable

 

Same thing happened to me about 2 months ago, I had to replace my whole Ignition swicth which means getting a new key and all. Mines worked fine ever since So might try it :lala:

 

This is a manual tranny.

That's what I'm worried about, how hard is it to pull the ingition and also what did it cost you? Sounds like i may need to get an ingition puller or something like that?

I can turn the key a little forwards(like to start the car) but I can't get it to turn backwards at all.

Any suggestions for how to tackle the steering column? Can I get to it from the behind the turnsignal stuff? I have steeringwheel radio controls as well.

 

ttt

 

Check your tilt mechanism if you have a tilt wheel!!!!
Same thing happened to my wife's 89 bird.
Once I was able to lock the wheel correctly, the keys turned fine.

 

Could you please clarify what you said in that last post. I tried moving the wheel/column to different positions with no luck, no sure if that's what you meant? I think I'm only one 25T torx screw away from taking out the whole ignition key and all so I'll get that tomorrow and see. I have it so the key will get to the "run" position, so it's not so bad now, just drains the battery and makes my car easy to steal.

 

99% of ignition key problems are due to lack of service. If you can get some dry powder graphite (hardware store) squeezed into the ignition most likely it will straighten itself out.

<A HREF="http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox/tips/misc/key.htm">Key Stuck In Ignition Article</A>

 

This is a manual transmission, but if you check to be sure you are in Neutral or first, and the E-Brake on, plus the tilt mechanism so the wheel is straight...
On Automatics it is Park.
Turn the key towards the ACC and try to get the steering wheel to lock.
Once that happens, the mechanism might be lined up and your key will come out with ease. If not, try the other recommendations.
Good luck!

 

Well, I'll try the graphite to try and free it up as a spare, but I just went out and bought a new cylinder and key $82 ($52 for cylinder + $25 for a new key). It's definately the cylinder mechanism since she starts great now with needle nose pliers.

p.s. I broke off one of those plastic tabs mentioned trying to turn the key and did pretty much everything that article said minus the graphite powder(lubercation). Thanks for the help.