We have tried everything to unlock the ignition, but nothing works

Tiny
SRKMAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 165,000 MILES
How do you remove an ignition cylinder when it is locked in the off position? Everything I have read says that the key needs to be in the on or run position, but I can't get it to turn to that!
Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 12:20 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Does your key look worn out?Also have you tried lightly taping on the key hole with a hammer then trying to turn the ignition?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-2
Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 12:32 AM
Tiny
SRKMAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The key is not worn out, and yes we have tried taping the key with a hammer.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+4
Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 1:09 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Have you tried taping on the key hole of the cylinder without the key in it and then tried turning with the key?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 5:42 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Perform the following procedure if the ignition switch lock cylinder is seized or will not rotate. 11.1. Protect the immediate work area with suitable material such as clean shop towels or a clean fender cover. 11.2. Locate the surface for the lock cylinder release button (2) on the plastic ignition switch housing. Center punch a location on the rib (1) approximately 3/8 inch rearward toward the key entry end from the cylinder release button. 11.3. Carefully drill a pilot hole through the plastic housing with a 1/8-inch drill bit. 11.4. Using a 9/32-inch drill bit, carefully drill a larger hole at the pilot location, and slightly into the surface of the ignition switch lock cylinder to break the release button retaining spring. 11.5. Remove portions of the broken spring from the hole using a small suitable tool. 11.6. Grasp the ignition switch lock cylinder and remove the cylinder from the switch housing. 11.7. Remove any plastic flashing from the drilling operation. Use compressed air to blow out the ignition switch assembly. 11.8. Follow service manual procedures when cylinder recoding is required. Depress and release the transaxle park/lock cable retainer. Pull to remove the park/lock cable from the ignition switch. ============= Press the release plunger on the ignition switch lock cylinder. The release plunger is located at the four o'clock position on the ignition switch housing.=== Use the key in order to pull the lock cylinder from the ignition switch housing. ================== Disconnect the pass key electrical connector from the ignition switch housing. Remove the ignition switch from the vehicle.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+4
Monday, January 9th, 2012 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
BASSETTJJ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Where would the instruction be at for this. I'm having the same problem with my 01 malibu
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Monday, September 7th, 2015 AT 8:54 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links