Key stuck in ignition

[cbbr]

1990 suburban. Tilt wheel. The ignition key is stuck with the ignition in the "run" position. It will move to start and back to run, but no further. Pliers won't work. It feels like a pin had broken? How do I get it out (how do I remove the cylinder).

 

[tRustyK5]

Try putting it in park...

Seriously, mess with the shifter a bit while trying to pull the key.

Good to see you here again Chad!

Rene

 

[cbbr]

Thanks Rene! Good to be back. 'Cept the Burban is killing me... I tried in and out of park, tilting the wheel, etc. But I also felt somethiung catch when I put the key in. Ever had a pin break?

 

[Fordum]

Well, if the cylinder is moving, then the pins (tumblers)probably have not come loose or broken.
The reason you cannot get the key out, is because you cannot turn it back to stop.
Why cannot you turn it to off, well, either the cog drive has stripped or jumped a tooth, or the ignition switch is coming apart.

I can't do you a lot of good, you will just have to do some investigating. If you can get to the ignition switch on the lower part of the colume, see if you can help the rod move as someone turns the key.
Maybe you can feel if the switch is binding or not.

Otherwise, try whacking the column around the key as you turn it, in case a piece of something is broken and you might be able to move the piece that is binding.

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

If something in the cylinder is broken, you might want to keep that key in for now. What position does the key have to be turned to remove the ignition? Cause it's a PITA to remove an ignition cylinder w/o the key, and if it's broken, you probably won't be able to put it back in to remove/replace the ignition cylinder if need be? Just something to consider.

 

[cbbr]

I just disconnected the battery and left it in rather than risk breaking it off in the cylinder.

 

[cbbr]

Any chance that any of you guys have an exploded view of the column?

 

[Confedneck]

Sorry, checked shopkey, no good exploded view, just a bunch of small views of the steps of removal. Try rapping on the bottom of the column with a soft hammer while turning the key to off. Try spraying a little lube into the cylinder with a straw.