Do i need to pull the steering wheel off with a puller to replace the ignition actuator that runs along the gears from key and cylinder? steering column is out and apart, actuator that hooks into ignition module is already in place

What make vehicle ? Most all vehicles have a safety system .Don't try an force anything you'll break it !
Electronic Park Lock (EPL)/Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator: If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a floor mounted console gear shift, it has an ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in any position other than PARK and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of an ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a park position switch that is located in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when the vehicle transmission is not in the PARK position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the PARK position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column. They also have this on column mounted shifters !

Instructions

1. Removing the Cylinder
   • Lift the hood and prop it open. Disconnect both battery cables from their terminals. Wait at least three minutes for all residual electricity to discharge before you begin working near the airbag.
     
   • 2Locate the two airbag attaching screws, one on each side of the steering wheel. Pry off the plastic covers to reveal a Torx screw. Use a Torx screwdriver to loosen these two screws, which you can't remove completely. They will stop when fully retracted and remain attached to the steering wheel.
     
   • 
     
   • 3Lift the airbag out of the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag wires from the harness by lifting up the plastic tabs on each side and pulling the two sections apart. Place the airbag face up in a safe location.
     
   • 4Unplug the horn electrical connector, which you will see once you remove the airbag.
     
   • 5Point the front wheels straight ahead. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using a socket. Place a mark on the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft so you will be able to realign them during reassembly.
     
   • 6Attach the steering wheel puller. There are bolt holes on each side of the steering wheel shaft. Screw the bolts on the puller into these holes and turn the puller handle clockwise to force the steering wheel off the shaft.
     
   • 7Remove the steering column covers by detaching the two screws on the front of the column. You will see these once you remove the steering wheel. There is one additional screw under the steering column. Pry off the ignition switch bezel. This is the plastic piece that surrounds the ignition cylinder. You should be able to pull it off using your fingers. If not, use a small flat-head screwdriver.
     
   • 8Unplug the connector from the ignition switch. This connector simply pulls out of the wiring harness, without any clips to remove.
     
   • 9Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ACC" position. Insert a small screwdriver into the hole located on the bottom of the ignition switch casing to depress the release button. With the button depressed, use the key to pull the cylinder out of the casing.
     
   Installing the Cylinder
   • 10Insert the key into the new cylinder and turn it to the "ACC" position. Insert the cylinder into the casing. When it seats, you should hear and/or feel a click. Try to pull the cylinder out. If you cannot do so, it is properly seated. Reconnect the ignition switch wire to the wiring harness. Snap the plastic ignition bezel back into place.
     
   • 11Replace the steering column covers and the three screws.
     
   • 12Place the steering wheel back over the steering wheel shaft, ensuring that the marks you made earlier are aligned.Turn the handle of the steering wheel puller counterclockwise until the steering wheel is fully seated. Detach the puller. Replace the steering wheel retaining nut.
     
   • 13Connect the horn wires.
     
   • 14Connect the airbag wires to the wiring harness and place the airbag into the steering wheel. Tighten the Torx screws on each side of the steering wheel and replace their covers.
     
   • 15Reconnect the battery cables.
     

TRY ANOTHER KEY.MORE LIKELY IGNITION SWITCH KEYLOCK CYLINDER BROKEN.

on that year car when the ignition is turned off a pin moves thru a gear with openings under the steering wheel. if the alignment is off the pin will strike the gear and stop you from turning off the car. If i am right you may be able to move the steering wheel as you try to turn off the ignition and get that pin to hit an opening in the gear. If not then something is wrong with the switch or the key has worn out and the lock cylinder is not releasing all the stops which let it turn meaning you will have to replace the lock cylinder. This requires pulling the steering wheel to gain access to the lock. If you need to do this reply and I can walk you thru the process but you will need to get or rent a steering wheel puller kit to do it. hope this helps if so please reply and good luck

Remove the horn ,then the nut holding the steering wheel on,then using a steering wheel puller,remove the steering wheel,then remove the lock plate,using a lock plate remover,then remove the turn signal switch,and there is a screw pin,that holds the ignition key cylinder in,remove it,and pull the key cylinder out.

COUTESY OF EXPERT "C17HYDRO"
With Key

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
   
2. On tilt columns, remove the upper extension shroud by unsnapping the shroud from the retaining clip at the 9 o'clock position.
   
3. Remove the trim shroud halves.
   
4. Unplug the wire connector at the key warning switch.
   
5. Place the shift lever in PARK and turn the key to ON.
   
6. Place a 1/8 in. wire pin in the hole in the casting surrounding the lock cylinder and depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the cylinder.
   
7. When installing the cylinder, turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position and depress the retaining pin, then insert the lock cylinder into its housing in the flange casting. Assure that the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will allow the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder cast housing hole.
   
8. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.
   

This section is for a NON-TILT with no key or non-functioning cylinder:
Fixed Columns

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
   
2. Remove the steering wheel.
   
3. Remove the turn signal lever.
   
4. Remove the column trim shrouds.
   
5. Unbolt the steering column and lower it carefully.
   
6. Remove the ignition switch and warning buzzer and pin the switch in the LOCK position.
   
7. Remove the turn signal switch.
   
8. Remove the snapring and T-bolt nuts that retain the flange casting to the column outer tube.
   
9. Remove the flange casting, upper shaft bearing, lock cylinder, ignition switch actuator and the actuator rod by pulling the entire assembly over the end of the steering column shaft.
   
10. Remove the lock actuator insert, the T-bolts and the automatic transmission indicator insert, or, with manual transmissions, the key release lever.
    
11. Upon reassembly, the following parts must be replaced with new parts:
    
    • Flange
      
    • Lock cylinder assembly
      
    • Steering column lock gear
      
    • Steering column lock bearing
      
    • Steering column upper bearing retainer
      
    • Lock actuator assembly
      

1. Assembly is a reversal of the disassembly procedure. It is best to install a new upper bearing. Check that the vehicle starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL.
   

This section is for TILT and no key or non-functioning cylinder:

Tilt Columns

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
   
2. Remove the steering column shrouds.
   
3. Using masking tape, tape the gap between the steering wheel hub and the cover casting. Cover the entire circumference of the casting. Cover the seat and floor area with a drop-cloth.
   
4. Pull out the hazard switch and tape it in a downward position.
   
5. The lock cylinder retaining pin is located on the outside of the steering column cover casting adjacent to the hazard flasher button.
   
6. Tilt the steering column to the full up position and prepunch the lock cylinder retaining pin with a sharp punch.
   
7. Using a 1/8 in. drill bit, mounted in a right angle drive drill adapter, drill out the retaining pin, going no deeper than 1/2 in. (12.7mm).
   
8. Tilt the column to the full down position. Place a chisel at the base of the ignition lock cylinder cap and using a hammer break away the cap from the lock cylinder.
   
9. Using a 3/8 in. drill bit, drill down the center of the ignition lock cylinder key slot about 13/4 in. (44mm), until the lock cylinder breaks loose from the steering column cover casting.
   
10. Remove the lock cylinder and the drill shavings.
    
11. Remove the steering wheel.
    
12. Remove the turn signal lever.
    
13. Remove the turn signal switch attaching screws.
    
14. Remove the key buzzer attaching screw.
    
15. Remove the turn signal switch up and over the end of the column, but don't disconnect the wiring.
    
16. Remove the 4 attaching screws from the cover casting and lift the casting over the end of the steering shaft, allowing the turn signal switch to pass through the casting. The removal of the casting cover will expose the upper actuator. Remove the upper actuator.
    
17. Remove the drive gear, snapring and washer from the cover casting along with the upper actuator.
    
18. Clean all components and replace any that appear damaged or worn.
    
19. Installation is the reverse of removal. Check for proper operation.
    

With Key

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
   
2. On tilt columns, remove the upper extension shroud by unsnapping the shroud from the retaining clip at the 9 o'clock position.
   
3. Remove the trim shroud halves.
   
4. Unplug the wire connector at the key warning switch.
   
5. Place the shift lever in PARK and turn the key to ON.
   
6. Place a 1/8 in. wire pin in the hole in the casting surrounding the lock cylinder and depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the cylinder.
   
7. When installing the cylinder, turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position and depress the retaining pin, then insert the lock cylinder into its housing in the flange casting. Assure that the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will allow the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder cast housing hole.
   
8. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.
   

This section is for a NON-TILT with no key or non-functioning cylinder:
Fixed Columns

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
   
2. Remove the steering wheel.
   
3. Remove the turn signal lever.
   
4. Remove the column trim shrouds.
   
5. Unbolt the steering column and lower it carefully.
   
6. Remove the ignition switch and warning buzzer and pin the switch in the LOCK position.
   
7. Remove the turn signal switch.
   
8. Remove the snapring and T-bolt nuts that retain the flange casting to the column outer tube.
   
9. Remove the flange casting, upper shaft bearing, lock cylinder, ignition switch actuator and the actuator rod by pulling the entire assembly over the end of the steering column shaft.
   
10. Remove the lock actuator insert, the T-bolts and the automatic transmission indicator insert, or, with manual transmissions, the key release lever.
    
11. Upon reassembly, the following parts must be replaced with new parts:
    
    • Flange
      
    • Lock cylinder assembly
      
    • Steering column lock gear
      
    • Steering column lock bearing
      
    • Steering column upper bearing retainer
      
    • Lock actuator assembly
      

1. Assembly is a reversal of the disassembly procedure. It is best to install a new upper bearing. Check that the vehicle starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL.
   

This section is for TILT and no key or non-functioning cylinder:

Tilt Columns

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
   
2. Remove the steering column shrouds.
   
3. Using masking tape, tape the gap between the steering wheel hub and the cover casting. Cover the entire circumference of the casting. Cover the seat and floor area with a drop-cloth.
   
4. Pull out the hazard switch and tape it in a downward position.
   
5. The lock cylinder retaining pin is located on the outside of the steering column cover casting adjacent to the hazard flasher button.
   
6. Tilt the steering column to the full up position and prepunch the lock cylinder retaining pin with a sharp punch.
   
7. Using a 1/8 in. drill bit, mounted in a right angle drive drill adapter, drill out the retaining pin, going no deeper than 1/2 in. (12.7mm).
   
8. Tilt the column to the full down position. Place a chisel at the base of the ignition lock cylinder cap and using a hammer break away the cap from the lock cylinder.
   
9. Using a 3/8 in. drill bit, drill down the center of the ignition lock cylinder key slot about 13/4 in. (44mm), until the lock cylinder breaks loose from the steering column cover casting.
   
10. Remove the lock cylinder and the drill shavings.
    
11. Remove the steering wheel.
    
12. Remove the turn signal lever.
    
13. Remove the turn signal switch attaching screws.
    
14. Remove the key buzzer attaching screw.
    
15. Remove the turn signal switch up and over the end of the column, but don't disconnect the wiring.
    
16. Remove the 4 attaching screws from the cover casting and lift the casting over the end of the steering shaft, allowing the turn signal switch to pass through the casting. The removal of the casting cover will expose the upper actuator. Remove the upper actuator.
    
17. Remove the drive gear, snapring and washer from the cover casting along with the upper actuator.
    
18. Clean all components and replace any that appear damaged or worn.
    
19. Installation is the reverse of removal. Check for proper operation.
    

if your key won't work ,the steering wheel has to come off to replace key switch - special tools needed - if the problem is engine not starting or cranking over - the electric switch the key rod goes down to is on the bottom of the steering column above brake pedal

Ignition Lock Cylinder REMOVAL & INSTALLATION With Key

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
2. On tilt columns, remove the upper extension shroud by unsnapping the shroud from the retaining clip at the 9 o'clock position.
3. Remove the trim shroud halves.
4. Unplug the wire connector at the key warning switch.
5. Place the shift lever in PARK and turn the key to ON .
6. Place a 1⁄8 in. (3mm) wire pin in the hole in the casting surrounding the lock cylinder and depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the cylinder.
7. When installing the cylinder, turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position and depress the retaining pin, then insert the lock cylinder into its housing in the flange casting. Assure that the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will allow the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder cast housing hole.
8. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.

Non-Functioning Cylinder or No Key Available FIXED COLUMNS

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
2. Remove the steering wheel.
3. Remove the turn signal lever.
4. Remove the column trim shrouds.
5. Unbolt the steering column and lower it carefully.
6. Remove the ignition switch and warning buzzer and pin the switch in the LOCK position.
7. Remove the turn signal switch.
8. Remove the snapring and T-bolt nuts that retain the flange casting to the column outer tube.
9. Remove the flange casting, upper shaft bearing, lock cylinder, ignition switch actuator and the actuator rod by pulling the entire assembly over the end of the steering column shaft.
10. Remove the lock actuator insert, the T-bolts and the automatic transmission indicator insert, or, with manual transmissions, the key release lever.
11. Upon reassembly, the following parts must be replaced with new parts:
    • Flange
    • Lock cylinder assembly
    • Steering column lock gear
    • Steering column lock bearing
    • Steering column upper bearing retainer
    • Lock actuator assembly
12. Assembly is a reversal of the disassembly procedure. It is best to install a new upper bearing. Check that the truck starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL.

This (plate) is held in place with a snap ring.You will need a special press to remove it and also a steering wheel puller to access the ignition lock cylinder.The actual switch is located on top of the steering column above the brake pedal. It is actuated with a rod from the ignition lock cylinder.