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there is a load on the lock pin in the steering column try turning the steering wheel a bit left or right to release the pin as you try turning the key.
Steering wheel locks never lock straight ahead as the idea is that if the car is being stolen it will turn a circle rather that move straight
The keyed ignition itself won't stop the lock from engaging. The lock is a spring loaded plunger in the column itself that should be retracted by the keyed ignition. There is wear somewhere in the linkage.
If the power steering pump were going bad you'd get a whining noise when turning at slow speeds. You'll also find it hard to turn the wheel. A slipping belt will give you the same indications. Now if the lock pin is engaging the lock plate while you're in motion that would indicate a loose pin.
On tilt columns, remove the upper extension shroud by unsnapping the shroud from the retaining clip at the 9 o'clock position.
Remove the trim shroud halves.
Unplug the wire connector at the key warning switch.
Place the shift lever in PARK and turn the key to ON.
Place a 1/8 in. wire pin in the hole in the casting surrounding the lock cylinder and depress the retaining pin while pulling out on the cylinder.
When installing the cylinder, turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position and depress the retaining pin, then insert the lock cylinder into its housing in the flange casting. Assure that the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will allow the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder cast housing hole.
The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.
This section is for a NON-TILT with no key or non-functioning cylinder: Fixed Columns
Disconnect the battery ground.
Remove the steering wheel.
Remove the turn signal lever.
Remove the column trim shrouds.
Unbolt the steering column and lower it carefully.
Remove the ignition switch and warning buzzer and pin the switch in the LOCK position.
Remove the turn signal switch.
Remove the snapring and T-bolt nuts that retain the flange casting to the column outer tube.
Remove the flange casting, upper shaft bearing, lock cylinder, ignition switch actuator and the actuator rod by pulling the entire assembly over the end of the steering column shaft.
Remove the lock actuator insert, the T-bolts and the automatic transmission indicator insert, or, with manual transmissions, the key release lever.
Upon reassembly, the following parts must be replaced with new parts:
Flange
Lock cylinder assembly
Steering column lock gear
Steering column lock bearing
Steering column upper bearing retainer
Lock actuator assembly
Assembly is a reversal of the disassembly procedure. It is best to install a new upper bearing. Check that the vehicle starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL.
This section is for TILT and no key or non-functioning cylinder:
Tilt Columns
Disconnect the battery ground.
Remove the steering column shrouds.
Using masking tape, tape the gap between the steering wheel hub and the cover casting. Cover the entire circumference of the casting. Cover the seat and floor area with a drop-cloth.
Pull out the hazard switch and tape it in a downward position.
The lock cylinder retaining pin is located on the outside of the steering column cover casting adjacent to the hazard flasher button.
Tilt the steering column to the full up position and prepunch the lock cylinder retaining pin with a sharp punch.
Using a 1/8 in. drill bit, mounted in a right angle drive drill adapter, drill out the retaining pin, going no deeper than 1/2 in. (12.7mm).
Tilt the column to the full down position. Place a chisel at the base of the ignition lock cylinder cap and using a hammer break away the cap from the lock cylinder.
Using a 3/8 in. drill bit, drill down the center of the ignition lock cylinder key slot about 13/4 in. (44mm), until the lock cylinder breaks loose from the steering column cover casting.
Remove the lock cylinder and the drill shavings.
Remove the steering wheel.
Remove the turn signal lever.
Remove the turn signal switch attaching screws.
Remove the key buzzer attaching screw.
Remove the turn signal switch up and over the end of the column, but don't disconnect the wiring.
Remove the 4 attaching screws from the cover casting and lift the casting over the end of the steering shaft, allowing the turn signal switch to pass through the casting. The removal of the casting cover will expose the upper actuator. Remove the upper actuator.
Remove the drive gear, snapring and washer from the cover casting along with the upper actuator.
Clean all components and replace any that appear damaged or worn.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Check for proper operation.
take the pannelling off around steering wheel inset a screw driver in key slot brekaway barrel to release steering lock pin then at other end of barrel take out scre and pull on wiring harness to expose a plastic barrel that will allow you to start car with a screw driver ect and you would not have steering lock as pin has been removed
There are three inverted torques screws in the column that come loose you have to pull the steering wheel pull the swivel pins tighten the little screws. it not hard to do . it is dangerous to drive like this.
What you have is the anti-theft portion of the steering column has became engaged. When you remove the key from the ignition, there is a pin that retracts, and, when the steering wheel is turned, this pin enters a hole in the column's steering shaft. This prevents the car from being "steered" if someone defeats the ignition switch, while trying to steal it. This locking function will not happen if the car is parked with the front wheels straight ahead; the only time the locking function occurs is when the steering wheel is turned left or right, as in parking whilst turning the steering wheel. This is a normal occurrance, the locking of the steering wheel, as it denies steering to potential theives.
SOLUTION: When the key will not turn, try to turn the steering wheel to the left of right (whichever way it is "turned" to), and, simultaneously, turn the key in the ignition. The "turning" of the wheel relaxes the tight fit of the pin into the hole, and then the key will turn, as it retracts the locking pin from the hole in the column. Hope this helps; and thank you for choosing FixYa!
There is excessive upward play in the steering shaft causing the steering wheel lock pin to engage, you will need to take it in and find out what is the cause of this.
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