[Frankentruck]

Maybe someone out there can help me - my daily driver is a '96 S10 with the 5 speed trans and tilt wheel. I went to start it this AM and I could not get the steering wheel lock/ignition switch to turn. This is not a case of the steering binding against the lock. Anyone run into this before? I hope there's an easy fix without having to pull off the steering wheel.

Thanks!

[docvette]

Doc here,

Try Graphite on the Key/Lock, Then rock it back and forth, do this several times , If it's just a stuck tumbler, it should free it up.

If you have a spare try another key, the key may be worn.

Don't use OIL's..It will only gum it up..if not now..later..

Doc

[Bryan59EC]

Not to be a drag, but, might also look into this if the graphite thing don't work.

On my 79 Chev pu, I have had to replace the "rack and rod" at least twice during my ownership (Bought new while still only 18).

If you use the tilt feature like I do (all the time) the rack portion breaks and will hang up the lock cylinder.

I don't know what type of column you have, but if it is the older type, this can be a problem.

I ended up removing the steering wheel lock, and took the switch from the bottom of the column and just let it hang there----used a piece of welding rod to start the truck for a long time. Turned out that was not the smartest thing to do----someone stole the truck and crashed it into a telephone pole in Santa Rosa, Ca.

If you have one of the newer columns-----don't know what to tell ya.

Bryan

[Frankentruck]

Doc,

Thanks for the reply - I've already tried the graphite and a different key. Pt just seems to be jammed.

Jim

[Frankentruck]

Bryan,

It's an airbag equipped column, so I'm kind of reluctant to tear into it. I've had some of the older columns apart to replace lock cylinders and they weren't too bad. Anyone know of a link that might show how to tear one of these down without destroying the airbag?

Jim

[docvette]

Doc here,

What year is this S~10?

If you have an Air bag system, And NEVER worked with one before, The BEST advice Given is go to a locksmith..IT'S WELL WORTH IT!!

IF you accidentally Deploy the Air Bag, it can Cost as much as $500 to $2500 to replace it. IF the locksmith does it..It's His problem..

What ever you Decide, Disconnect and clamp both battery cables Together on ground Before working on the Column.

Is this new enough to have a VATS or a Digital Key? A low battery can cause this also.

Doc