ignition Key Switch Jammed

[Wabusk]

The ignition key switch in my '98 GMC half-ton automatic is jammed in the start position.

 

I am wondering how to get the key switch off of the steering column. In looking at it, it looks like the steering wheel needs to come off to get at all the bolts. Is this true??

 

I know how to get the steering wheel off, and will do that shortly. Can't figure out how to get any further in than that though.

 

Any tips??

 

thanks

 

jamie

[GM-Tech]

I will assume we're talking about the lock cylinder, not the switch. They're two different things and from your description of the problem, it does sound like a lock problem. It is possible it's the switch and not the lock, but unlikely.

 

Here's the procedure to replace the lock cylinder from our service information. Sorry the pictures don't come along with it and formatting is sorta messy.

 

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Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement - On Vehicle

 

Removal Procedure

Caution: Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

 

Disconnect the battery negative cable.

Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

Position the steering wheel half way between the upper and lower tilt stops.

Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement

Roll back the shift lever seal from the upper and the lower shrouds.

Remove the tilt wheel lever (if necessary). Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement - On Vehicle .

Remove the 2 TORX® screws from the lower steering column shroud.

Remove the lower steering column shroud.

Remove the 2 TORX® screws from the upper steering column shroud. Refer to the appropriate procedure from the following list:

- Steering Column Trim Covers - Disassemble - Off Vehicle

 

- Steering Column Trim Covers - Assemble - Off Vehicle

 

Lift the upper steering column shroud to gain access to the lock cylinder access hole.

 

 

 

Using a bent tip awl, insert the tip into the ignition lock cylinder access hole.

 

 

 

Turn the ignition lock cylinder to the START position. Using the bent tip awl, push down on the ignition lock cylinder retaining pin.

Release the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position.

 

 

 

Remove the ignition lock cylinder from the lock module assembly by pulling the ignition lock cylinder away from the steering column.

Installation Procedure

 

 

 

 

Insert the ignition lock cylinder through the upper shroud.

Install the ignition lock cylinder to the lock module assembly by doing the following:

Align the positioning slot and locking tab slot on the lock module assembly to the positioning tab and locking tab on the ignition lock cylinder.

Push the ignition lock cylinder into the lock module assembly until the locking tab locks against the locking tab.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

 

Install the 2 TORX® screws to the upper shroud.

 

Tighten

Tighten the screws to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

 

Install the lower shroud. Refer to the appropriate procedure from the following list:

- Steering Column Trim Covers - Disassemble - Off Vehicle

 

- Steering Column Trim Covers - Assemble - Off Vehicle

 

Install the shift lever seal to the upper and the lower shrouds.

Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement

Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System

Connect the battery negative cable.

Perform the Passlock learn procedure. Refer to PASSLOCK Reprogramming Auto Learn in Theft Deterrent.

[Wabusk]

You are correct in your assumption. Sorry about my lack of technical terms. The problem is with the key mechanism and not the electrical switch. I have actually seperated the electrical switch from the stuck mechanical part. We are starting and using the truck this way and it works, but it would be nice to have the key working again....

 

Unfortunately, those directions don't work for me since I can't turn the key at all. It is not possible to turn the key from the start position to the run position to get the key cylinder out.

 

Wondering how I remove the whole key switch mechanism from the steering column instead of just the lock cylinder.... I've got the airbag off and also the steering wheel. I just can't figure out the stuff behind the steering wheel (airbag and horn contacts) to get to the steering column itself. Any ideas??

 

thanks

 

jamie

 

I will assume we're talking about the lock cylinder, not the switch.  They're two different things and from your description of the problem, it does sound like a lock problem.   It is possible it's the switch and not the lock, but unlikely.

 

Here's the procedure to replace the lock cylinder from our service information.   Sorry the pictures don't come along with it and formatting is sorta messy.

[GM-Tech]

Unfortunately, those directions don't work for me since I can't turn the key at all.  It is not possible to turn the key from the start position to the run position to get the key cylinder out.

 

Yeah, that seems to be always the way it is. Either it's stuck in the locked position, in which case you can't turn it to start to depress the retainer or it's stuck in the run position. In either case, it can turn into a real nightmare.

 

I have the instructions for replacing that housing that holds the lock cylinder, but it really needs the pictures to help you. Also, a special tool or two is needed. Here's the instructions if they'll help. Note in one step that it wants you to put the key in OFF-LOCK position, which obviously you can't do. Sometimes there's lots of drilling going on to get these things apart the hard way.

 

I haven't done one in years so don't have any handy tips that I can recall.

 

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Electronic Column Lock Module Replacement

 

Tools Required

 

 

• J 23653-SIR SIR Lock Plate Compressor

 

• J 42759 Ignition Switch Connector Release Tool

 

Removal Procedure

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

 

• Air bag deployment

 

• Personal injury

 

• Unnecessary SIR system repairs

 

In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:

• Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.

 

• If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

 

 

Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.

Important: Remove the SIR coil from the steering shaft and let the SIR coil hang freely.

 

 

Remove the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .

 

 

 

Install the J 23653-SIR to the steering shaft and compress the shaft lock shield (2).

Remove the lock shield retainer from the steering column shaft.

Remove the J 23653-SIR from the steering shaft.

 

 

 

Remove the following parts from the steering shaft:

Shaft lock shield (4)

Turn signal cancel cam (3)

Rotate the steering column lock cylinder to the OFF-LOCK position.

 

 

 

Insert a small screwdriver into the slot on the electronic lock module and push down on the park lock cable locking tab and remove park lock cable (1) from the electronic lock module (column shift only).

 

 

 

Disconnect the electric park lock (1) electrical connector (2) (floorshift only).

 

 

 

Unsnap the electric park lock (2) off of the electronic lock module (1) (floorshift only).

 

 

 

Rotate the key alarm switch connector from the electronic lock module.

Disconnect the passlock electrical connector from the electronic lock module.

 

 

 

Disconnect the ignition switch (2) from the electronic lock module using the J 42759 .

Remove the ignition switch (2) from the electronic lock module (2).

Let the ignition switch (2) hang freely.

 

 

 

Remove the electronic lock module (1) mounting screws (2).

Remove the electronic lock module (1) from the steering column housing.

Installation Procedure

 

 

 

 

Install the electronic lock module (1) to the steering column housing.

Install the electronic lock module(1) mounting screws (2).

 

 

 

Install the ignition switch (2) to the electronic lock module (2).

 

 

 

Connect the passlock electrical connector from the lock module

Rotate the key alarm switch connector to the electronic lock module.

 

 

 

Snap the electric park lock (2) onto the electronic lock module (1).(floorshift only)

 

 

 

Connect the electric park lock (1) electrical connector (2) (floorshift only).

 

 

 

Install park lock cable (1) to the electronic lock module (column shift only).

 

 

 

Install the following parts to the steering shaft:

Turn signal cancel cam (3)

Shaft lock shield (4).

 

 

 

 

Install the J 23653-SIR to the steering shaft and compress the shaft lock shield (2).

Install the lock shield retainer to the steering column shaft.

Remove the J 23653-SIR from the steering column shaft.

Install the SIR coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement .

Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.

[Wabusk]

OK, thanks for the info. It looks like this is going to be a PITA!!

 

I'll see how it goes...

 

thanks

 

jamie

[gavin8or]

Hmm I'm reading this with trepidation. My lock cylinder is stuck in the "off" position. It's almost like the key isn't getting in all the way into the ignition. Anyways, are the steps outlined here the same for a '93 GMC manual? Hopefully it will be easier because I've got a stick.

 

*Edit* It's stuck in the off position! eeep is there any way to remove/replace?