[stuffandthings]

Over the weekend, I was changing my oil and sure enough caused some damage to the vital vacuum line around the filter... Somehow I broke the yellow and white valve open. I've ordered another and expect it later this week. For now I'm swallowing my pride every time I stop, opening the hood and plugging the line with my finger to get it to shut off. Seems to work ok.

Today I go to start my car at work and the key will not turn. It's stuck. I've a read a few threads about the lock to the steering getting stuck. I jiggled the hell out of it and the steering wheel...nothing freeing up.

What can I try next? Is it related at all to the vacuum issue described above? What can I do here? Does a ton of WD40 sprayed in the ignition help free things up? Worst case, what could I end up needing to replace (if something's going wrong)?

 

[rrgrassi]

Are you using the original steel key or and after market brass key? You may end up replacing the tumbler assembly. You can get one set up according to your VIN at a dealership, or buy one that uses a different key.

 

[stuffandthings]

I was afraid it might be that. I think mine is a brass key.

Looks like that's my weekend project...not so fun from the looks of the diesel giant's pictorial. Has anyone done the tumbler replacement? How long did it take you?

 

[mountainredneck]

i think what grassi is saying is that a brass key used in a tumbler meant for a steel key would wear out the brass key. try tweeking the key while attempting to turn it and see if the tumblers free up. then, go and have a proper key made. as for your vaccum, the 2 brown lines is what is used to shut off your engine. if you broke something other that those, trace those lines back to your supply line and plug them off until fixed. engine should shut off then.

 

[carnut1]

Sometimes freeing up the key can be as simple as pulling the steering wheel towards the direction that has freeplay with your left hand while turning the key with your right. So many people park their cars without setting the park brake first which can leave the whole weight of the vehicle resting on the steering column pin or the even smaller pin in the transmission. The key doesn't provide enough leverage to pull the pin out of the steering column if there's weight on the lock pin. On one car I had good luck jacking both front wheels off the ground (using two jack stands!) to help free up a jammed steering column lock pin

 

[stuffandthings]

I think it is the tumbler

I've tweaked the steering every which way hard and soft, slightly and drastically...I've done the same with the key. I also always set the e-brake first (others ahead of me may not have).

Mechanic said it's likely the tumbler and to first try graphite lubricant to free things up, then get a new proper key, then replace the tumbler.

When I do replace the tumbler...I understand it's a much easier job when the key turns. Are there instructions out there that show how to do this?

If I can't get it to turn, I guess I'm taking diesel giant's route.

Thanks.

 

[84300DTurbo]

the steering lock doesn't have anything to do with the trans on our cars. you need to get the cylinder to move (ideal). try buzzing it with an electric shaver or the like.
otherwise you need to go diesel giant's route crybaby2