I'm out of town on vacation and have a major problem! This afternoon my key stopped working in the ignition. It won't turn in the ignition and unlock the steering wheel or crank. Occasionally it has done something similar and when I turn the lights on it worked fine. It wouldn't work a little earlier in the day and I removed the black plastic cover over the steering column and jiggled the red-light and it worked. Now it won't do anything. It seems to be electrical. When I move the black plastic ring slightly around the ignition I can tell it's making poor contact. Anyone have advice? I have only a couple hand tools with me and stranded at this point. Please help if u can

 

Hopefully you have a small screw driver as one of your tools. Remove the "switch" portion of your key barrel, it's off the left end, black, round and has several wires attached. It's only two small screws. If you can remove it you can turn it with the tip of a key, screw driver, beer can pull tab...... whatever it takes. You'll then be in good shape. I believe if you leave the key in the cylinder that will bypass the shift interlock and you'll be able to get it in gear, it's either that or disconnecting it..... try both.

 

OK, great! I'll try that! Thank you so much😃

 

OK I got the black plastic part off and am able to start it but the steering wheel is locked. Any way to unlock it?

 

Cool, can you remove the whole lock assembly from the column? That would allow you to turn the wheel. I know they used funky tamper proof heads but it's the trick to bypass the mess. Try disconnecting the key interlock in the mean time. That's the solenoid that will not allow the key to be withdrawn.

One more thing, try turning the key with pliers. That's a last ditch method. May bust the cylinder slabs but you'd have a key that works. *Only do this* if you have another key to lock doors with.

 

Bro you really helped me out of a jam! Many thanks! I used a hammer and chisel to get the bolts out and take the ignition off. All good now

 

Cool and sorry you had to tear it up......