2001 Buick Century locked steering wheel and ignition

Ron:
I will assume that he told you the tumbler is bad. Most likely when you removed it in gear, something was damaged. However, one would think it wouldn't have come out.

Here is the problem. With the anti-theft systems in these cars, the computer needs to be reprogramed to accept the new tumbler and key and dealers are the only ones that have the proper equipment to do it. I hate to say it, but you will most likely have to have them do it. You may want to call a different dealer to see if they have a lower labor rate.

AS far as the air bag, you need to disconnect the battery for a minimum of 10 minutes to disarm and kill everything. I usually let them sit overnight.