Thread: Troubleshoot Steering+Ignition Lock. Ignition lock cylinder bad.

My steering wheel lock was engaged to tow the car.
The key used was deteriorated and damaged the ignition lock cylinder when used.

because the steering wheel is locked I cannot move the ignition lock cylinder to a position to replace it.

because the ignition does not recognize the key or is damaged I cannot unlock the steering wheel.

I had seen videos on hammer a screwdriver into the ignition until it could be turned to remove the faulty ignition cylinder.
with the pass key system will this still be possible?
it will not prevent the steering wheel lock from releasing?

My only agenda is to assess the engine before committing to a swap as the strut towers are toast
so if jumping the starter or something else may work I'm open to suggestions

Thanx for looking the car is a 98 grand prix gtp

Many many years ago my key broke off in the ignition cylinder of my Bronco. After getting the truck towed home, I spent about 4 hours drilling out the key and cylinder, to the point that I could remove it. This might be one fix for you.

are the wheels turned all the way to one side? or have flat tires?

if so try pushing the wheel one way or the other while trying to turn the key, the lock can hold up the key from turning. or try this regardless of tires or turned, give it a good hard wiggle left and right. sounds like its been parked for a while.

if you do drill it or hammer the screw driver and turn deal, keep in mind to use a new key you need to the old one to be inserted and turned. then removed, then you put the new key in to keep it all synced up.

Originally Posted by 13eelzeboul

after drilling it you were able to get it turn to the acc position where you can compress the ignition lock clip?

I drilled it out so much that the cylinder disintegrated; I removed it in pieces, so the lock pin was not a factor.

98 has a lump on the key with metal tabs on it. you ohm the key and buy a new one as per the ohm range. key syncs with the ignition harness box. old key in and to run for 10 seconds, remove key install new key. might need a dealer to fix that if it wont work right.

or hit up a junk yard, pull the harness and tumbler, some yards have the keys for the cars. you will need its key/keys. if you want to go all out and not have two keys, take the same cars door locks and trunk lock. they all come out very easy, just a clip holds them in.

unless yours is like my 98 regal, i got a door key and ignition key,

Sparky's Answers - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, Changing The Ignition Switch heres a how to on the harness and key lock.

to just make it run i bet you could pull the harness off the column, and turn its knob that the key turns via a gear. keep the key near that black box and turn it all the way, it should crank.