Help, my key won't turn!

[Gregs300CD]

I've tried starting my car while it was in drive.
The key turns but the engine doesn't.

Sometimes the steering wheel will lock, keeping the key from turning, but I'm sure you know that.

[cheapold280ce]

79Mercy is right because I start my car by turning the key and holding it in start while I jiggle the shifter around park until it starts.

[maasmike]

Can the ignition lock be removed without grinding off the pin at the column (as done by dieselgiant)?

[79Mercy]

if the key is turned to the 1st position.

[maasmike]

So I finally got the iginition assembly removed from the column, but can someone tell me the trick for removing the wiring harness from the back of it?

[Gregs300CD]

This page might come in handy...

http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

(Sorry, never actually done that myself either.)

[GreaseDiesel.org]

Originally Posted by maasmike

So I finally got the iginition assembly removed from the column, but can someone tell me the trick for removing the wiring harness from the back of it?

hmm... i don't remember, but it should be straight forward, maybe a small bolt or two???

did you have to do any grinding?

[maasmike]

Gents, thanks for the help. Instead of grinding (I couldn't find a grinding bit) I used a metal drill bit to drill out the pin. My problem with getting the wiring harness off was that the key wouldn't fully turn to the 1st position, the steering column lock pin was jammed out. I had to pry it down with a screwdriver to get it to release, and now everything works great. I have spayed the entire works with graphite oil, and now plan on just reinstalling as there was nothing wrong with the tumblers. Now that I have done this if it happens again I know just what to do. Thanks again.