Steering wheel lock can't start engine linkage to place in neutral underwood location

Try putting the shift lever in neutral to start the engine. If that works, it's only your shift linkage/cable out of position. If it won't go all the way up on the lever, it will not allow the lock pin to go into position to lock the steering wheel. The key may not even come out.

i dont know if its automatic or manual,

steering wheel will lock if lock tab is not worn also wont be able to put into neutral with out key -----go to nearest GM dealer with ur vin which can be found on registration/insurance cards title and have a key cut -bring proof of ownership -----as to getting it towed the tow driver will either dolly it or disconnect shift linkage to put in neutral

The stuck in park is easy disconnect the linkage at the transmission and move the selector red by two notches (by hand) this will place the transmission in neutral if there is resistance chock the wheels release the handbrake and rock the car ( back and forward to take load off the parking parking pawl which is stuck) no electrics is because of the ignition position remove the ignition switch from the column this isolates from the ignition lock and manually move the slide until the engine starts (make sure the hoot & hand brake are applied in case you ******* up the selector job and left it in gear. once the engine starts reconnect the transmission linkage. restart the engine and run the selector through the gears if all is OK.either cut the old ignition lock off the steering column and replace or get a locksmith to remove the key and then re-cut a new key from the spare or from the manufacturers code. all done

There are two adjustment that can be made on the linkage. One is located under the steering wheel on the column, the second is under the driver side linked to the actual transmission. I will address both. The adjustment located under the steering wheel is located on the actual steering wheel column, it is used to adjust the arrow that shows if you are in drive, reverse, park ect. So if your arrow is showing you in reverse but you are in park, this is the adjustment you will use. You must take off the panels under the column to get to it. Once you have removed follow the cable to the steering column where you will see a white round adjustment. you either tighten of loosen and it will adjust the arrow, The second is located down bellow on the transmission, under the driver seat on the actual transmission, to adjust this u will need a long flat head screw driver, You will have to get under the driver side of the car behind the front tire. You will see the transmission, use the screwdriver to pop the cable off of the actual shift leaver. There is also a clip that is oval with a white lock on it, you must push up on the white lock to release the cable so it will adjust. once under you will see it, might have to use the handle end of the screw driver to push it, hard on the fingers . this will free up the cable for adjustment. Now for proper adjustment it states put the shifter in drive, adjust the actual transmission lever under the car to the drive position, make sure the emergency brake is on, the park position is the furthest the lever will got to the back of the car. So push the leaver forward towards the engine tree times, reverse, neutral, and then the third drive. put your cable on the leaver, push it on it will click on there. close the adjustment you opened earlier and your there. proper adjustment

The electric part of the ignition switch for my '86 is under the dash at the base of the steering column, and it's actuated by a rod connecting it to the key lock. Sounds like either the rod's worn so it to longer engages the electric switch in all tilt positions, or it's a neutral switch problem. Rod wear is a high-mileage issue, but adjusting the switch (loosening bolts, sliding it microscopically back and retightening bolts, should improve it. If it's a neutral switch problem (automatic transmissions only) then the truck should start with tranny in neutral gear, regardless of tilt position. Problems there are adjusted out at the linkage adjustment under the hood at the firewall, where the linkage emerges. Good luck!

try putting the shifter in neutral and see if the vehicle starts up . could be the shifter linkage . hope this helps you out.

The neutral safety switch is located on the top and toward the base of the steering column almost to the floorboard.

To remove or install the neutral safety switch be sure to place the shifter in the neutral position, then dis-connect the wire connector at the neutral safety switch, then remove the securing screws and then remove the neutral safety switch.

Install the new neutral safety switch and do not over-tighten the securing screws, then remove the alignment pin and re-connect the wire connector to the neutral safety switch. (be sure not to remove the alignment pin until the neutral safety switch has been installed)

Check to be certain that the vehicle only starts in "Park" or "Neutral". Here is an image to help assist you, and let me know if you require any further assistance.

It may the neutral safety switch licated usually where on the front lower engine compartment ..they get full of crud sometimes and just need minor adjustment...

Todd, Over time, shift linkages and cables tend to stretch or develop some "slack" in the system which can cause this type of problem. I would suggest readjusting the linkage and see if that takes care of the problem.
1) On level ground, block the wheels to prevent rolling.
2) Place the shift lever in neutral.
3) Loosen fastener at transmission select lever and allow linkage to relax or find center.
4) Turn key to start position to verify transmission is in neutral, engine should roll over, no need to start engine. Shut engine off if started.
5)Center linkage at transmission select lever and tighten fastener.
6) Recheck Park position, readjust if necessary.
Good luck, let me know how it goes.
Regards,