Key Stuck in the Ignition Switch

[petek]

Went to shut off the Cobra this morning (after a nice brisk drive to work). The ignition switch turns enough to shut the car off but not enough to remove the key. The steering column is not "locked" as the key won't turn far enough to lock the column.

The column is a GM tilt column, one that I bought from DV a few years ago.

I drove the car home at lunch and pulled the steering wheel off. I don't see anything obviously wrong (i.e. no broken parts fell out of the column when I pulled the steering wheel off).

Any ideas on getting the key to turn?

[trularin]

It sounds like it is under tension. May I suggest you turn the wheel as you try to turn the key.

If the steering wheel is not locked, sometime the key will not come out as well. Make sure the wheel is locked all the way.

[petek]

The steering wheel turns freely but the key will not turn to the point that the key can be removed (thus locking the steering wheel).

I even rotated the steering shaft an made sure the locking pin had a free shot into the locking disk and still no joy.

[terry251]

Pete, I'm not sure this will help, because I learned it on an ignition switch that mounted into the dash...but. There was a nut on the back of the ignition key module that loosened. I had to tighten it in order to take the tension off the key. Problem solved. I'm guessing it might be the same (along with the attendant locking mechanism in your more modern set up.)
Terry

[petek]

Thanks for the suggestion Terry. I've started disassembling the mechanism; I'll probably end up replacing the keyed portion of the ignition switch.

The first real nice week of the year and my car sits in the garage. Must be some sort of Karma debt that I'm paying off or something!