My ignition is locked and will not turn. i am trying to replace the ignition but am having trouble figuring out how to remove it. do u have to take the steering wheel off and if so wont that mess up the airbag? my vehicle is a 1997 chevy blazer 4wd

Jeff provides the best answer.

• Jeff Armer Jun 03, 2022
• Does the key turn to the off position an to start an back to off again,gear shifter is in park ?
• 
  Jeff Armer Jun 03, 2022
  Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder
  
  Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?
  
  Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
  
  Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
  Go to Step 8
  Go to Step 5
  
  5
  Verify the adjustment of the automatic transmission shift cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .
  
  Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
  System OK
  Go to Step 6
  
  6
  Inspect the Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock.
  
  Does the Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock exhibit damage or signs of wear?
  Go to Step 10
  Go to Step 7
  
  7
  Verify the electrical operation of the ignition lock cylinder solenoid. Refer to Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear .
  
  Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
  
  8
  Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder.
  
  Is the lock cylinder damaged?
  Go to Step 11
  Go to Step 9
  
  9
  Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case.
  
  Is the case worn, damaged or loose?
  Go to Step 12
  Go to Step 13
  
  10
  Replace the Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock. Refer to Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock Replacement .
  
  Did you complete the repair?
  Go to Step 13
  --
  
  11
  Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
  
  Did you complete the repair?
  Go to Step 13
  --
  
  12
  Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
  
  Did you complete the repair?
  Go to Step 13
  --
  
  13
  Operate the system to verify the repair.
  
  Did you correct the condition?
  

Try turning the steering wheel hard in each direction while trying to turn key. Wheel lock may be holding key. If not, sounds like you need to replace ignition lock cylinder or the ignition switch. Good luck, DW

Obtain all remote transmitters for this vehicle.

1. Close all doors.

2. Insert key into the ignition cylinder but do not turn it.

3. Press and hold the Unlock button on door lock switch on drivers door.
Hold until instructed to release.

4. Remove key from ignition and then insert key into ignition without turning ignition cylinder and remove key.

5. Insert key in ignition a third time and leave key in ignition. Do Not turn ignition.

6. Release door lock switch on drivers door panel.
A Chime will sound 3 times indicating that you are in programming mode.

7. Press both the Lock and Unlock buttons on the remote up to 30 seconds.
A chime will sound 2 times if remote has programmed successful.

8. Repeat step 6 if you are programming additional remotes.

9. Remove key from ignition to exit programming mode.

NOTE: If you are having trouble getting this procedure to work, we have found that some vehicles need step 3 to be done before step 2

1. Remove the screws on the underside of the steering column cover and pull the cover down.
   
2. Put the key into the ignition and turn the key to the "II" position.
   
3. Slide the punch pin into the Silverado's access hole on the underside of the steering column under the ignition.
   
4. Push up on the punch pin while you pull the ignition out of the steering column.

The ignition on Toyota cars sometimes requires you to push the key down into the keyhole while turning it towards the 'LOCK' position.

If you have trouble moving it to this position, you can try turning the steering wheel at the same time, or jiggling the wheel left and right.

In case you are still unable to remove the key, you may have a defective ignition key cylinder, and this may need replacement.

Hope this helps.

Removal & Installation

Without Air Bag
See Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4

1. Remove the turn signal switch.
2. Insert the key in the lock cylinder and turn it to the ON position.

Fig. Fig. 1: Using a pair of needle nose pliers, remove the key warning buzzer switch and contacts from the steering column

1. Remove the key warning buzzer switch and contacts AS AN ASSEMBLY using needle-nosed pliers, or a paper clip with a 90° bend.

Fig. Fig. 2: Lock cylinder retaining screw
Some steering columns may have a retaining screw holding the lock cylinder in the column. When servicing this type, simply remove the retaining screw and remove the lock cylinder.


Fig. Fig. 3: Using a small thin bladed tool, press in the ignition lock clinder retaining tab ...


Fig. Fig. 4: ... then pull out the lock cylinder from the steering column

1. With the ignition switch still in the ON position, insert a thin screwdriver into the slot adjacent to the switch attaching screw boss (right-hand slot). Depress the spring latch located at the bottom of the slot to release the lock cylinder.
2. Remove the lock cylinder.

To install:

1. To install the lock cylinder, turn the key to the LOCK position. Insert the lock cylinder in to the housing far enough to contact the drive tang. Force it inward and move the ignition switch actuator rod up and down to align the components. When the components align, the cylinder will move inward and the spring-loaded retainer will snap into place locking the lock cylinder in the housing.

If the lock cylinder is retained by a screw, tighten the screw to 40 inch lbs. (5 Nm).

1. Install the key warning buzzer switch.
2. Follow the ignition switch installation procedures to adjust the ignition switch.
3. Install the turn signal switch.

With Air Bag
Please refer to the ignition switch removal and installation procedure.

On this car there is a cable that is tied into the shifter, so you have to turn the keep to be able to take it out of gear. Its all in 1 big housing. Usually to remove the ignition cylinder it has to be in the run position and you push a little key down to remove it. Since your key won't turn you have to figure out a way to do it.However once you replace the ignition cylinder your shifter will move and you will be able to start the car. To get to the ignition switch/cylinder you have to remove the molding around the instrument panel and then the instrument cluster. Then you can unbolt the assembly in the front with a 10mm socket. lift the assembly up and now you have access to change it out. Hope this helps.

Hi there, to remove the ignition lock, remove the steering colomn trim, insert the key and turn to position 2, there is a small button under the lock press this and pull the key, this will remove the lock, you will have to switch the tumblers over to the new barrell so that it works with your original key

There is a pin that you have to push in on the bottom of the lock cylinder housing.It is recessed in a hole.You have to turn the key to acc or on to get it to push in.Once you push it in you can pull the key and lock cylinder out.

Occasionally the shift lock cable can stick and cause this problem. Try jiggling the shifter and see if that helps. You may need to replace the cable.

The chip in the key is purely electrical and will not prevent the key from mechanically turning the ignition switch.