HELP! Can't get key to turn to remove ignition switch

[ingydrummer]

I took everything apart to reveal the ignition switch, but nothing Im doing is letting me turn the key to remove the ignition cylinder? Im screwed..

[Hellz]

well, there are a few threadss about the ignition key issue... im sure a simple seearch would pull them up...

ill help you out and narrow your choices down.

1. call a tow and have your H2 towed to a dealer who will replace your ignition switch, and charge alot of $$$

2. search this forum for ignition switch issues and see the pics. get a drill and drill through the plastic and use the drill bit, or something else that can rach the ignition key button release to get your key out.

bottom line, you will need to replace your ignition switch, unless you keep doing step #2 to press the button to release the key.

[H2Miami]

Happens to me me . usually moving/push the shift stick forward and sideways solve the issue

[guruerror]

Agreed...happened to me before too due to the shifter. I was able to get it to release the key by shifting back to Drive and then back to Park.

Could be the ignition switch or the 'linkage' (whatever it is) that tells the ignition that the tranny's in Park.

[HUMTECH]

Those are all issues with not being able to turn cylinder back to the off position. From what I understand ingydrummer is not having this problem. The ignition cylinder is in the off/lock position and wont rotate forward to the on start or run positions. Only reason for this to happen would be a damaged key or a lock cylinder that has come apart internally.

[H2Miami]

"turn the key to remove the ignition cylinder? "

Or you meant turn ignition to remove the key? :confused:

[HUMTECH]

You need to be able to rotate ignition cylinder to the run position in order to access the release pin through the access hole to remove lock cylinder from housing.

[ingydrummer]

All is good now. I got the key to turn with a little help from an eye glass screw driver slid up in the channel where cylinder slides into ignition. Popped a $5.00 salvage cylinder in it from another GM truck and all is working fine now. Now I have two different keys but who care's its working. Sorry for the long delay in posting for I was already two days late for my vacation, and when it started I bolted to the Shore house. Thanks again for everyone's help.

[DRTYFN]

All is good now. I got the key to turn with a little help from an eye glass screw driver slid up in the channel where cylinder slides into ignition. Popped a $5.00 salvage cylinder in it from another GM truck and all is working fine now. Now I have two different keys but who care's its working. Sorry for the long delay in posting for I was already two days late for my vacation, and when it started I bolted to the Shore house. Thanks again for everyone's help.
Ohhhhh.... I got locked out once because of this same thing. Bad juju.