How to remove ignition key cylinder on a 2002 chevy astro van without a key

SOURCE: lost only ignition key for a 1995 chevy g30 van

You could just have the dealer use his key code and cut another key for you. If you don't want to go that route, unplug the battery for 5 min, and unbolt the air bag. It should have one or two connectors once you get it off.

Steve Allison

• 5569 Answers
• Posted on Oct 17, 2008

SOURCE: 1997 Chevy Astro Van accelerates without pushing on gas peddal

You are right to be concerned about this behavior since it can definitely increase your stopping distance.
Either your cable has eaten its way into the inner tubing and is hanging up, or the mechanics at the throttlebody needs some lubrication.
With no engine running, have someone inside to press on the accelerator while you watch for movement of the linkage under the hood. Once you have located it, operate it by hand to see how it feels. If the linkage does not return to the stops provided, then use a heavy-duty penetrating oil to soak the moving parts. If it still hangs, then the cable needs replacement.
With the engine running, tranny in Park and the parking brake on, after you have lubed the visible linkage, have some one inside press on the gas and watch the linkage to see if it now returns to the mechanical stop. Carefully move it by hand to see if it is truly at the limits of its travel where it should be at an idle.

SOURCE: changing key ignition need to remove old one and fix ignition rod

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528008f60e

SOURCE: help please...trying to remove ignition

try moving te shift lever up and down sometimes it will work other than that you have to pull the column apart to get the lock cylinder out

SOURCE: How do you remove an ignition switch key cylinder

There are one or two little pins in the igniton switch that you need to have pushed in while switch is turned and pulled out.