Steering Column Repair: 2000 chevy blazer ignition, torx bolts, chevy blazer

Question
My key is locked in the on position, I have to disconnect the battery and turn key to start in order to shut off vehicle. Is it my key cylinder or what. How do I remove the locking cylinder from the steering column?

Answer

Access hole under the Hi Tim:

You are correct in assuning the lock cyinder has gone bad.  this happens a lot on these vehicles.
The top cover on many GM vehicle is a bear to get off, unless you know what you are looking for.  The most critical thing is not to break the red 4-way flasher button on the top of the column.

There are 2 ways to get the cover off.  The first way is to force it off after you have removed both 8mm inverted torx bolts holding the top cover in place.  
The second and best way is to remove the airbag and steering wheel to release the ridge that goes under the wheel.  Once the wheel is off and the bolts are out, the only thing left is the lock cylinder.  You can force the cover over the lock cylinder and gently break off the ridge behind it, or you can release the lock cylinder, remove it and the the cover falls off.  To release the lock cylinder is where the 'bear' part comes in.
I'll enclose a picture for you, but the release pin is a small 1/8 hole in the top of the housing about 3" in from the black bezel.  You will not be able to access it easily because the cover is blocking it.  You will need a long right angle probe to reach in and depress the pin.  However, you must rotate the lock to the 'start' position in order for the pin to be in position to be released.  The lock will be very hard to turn as the cover will be rubbing it and you won't have much room to both see and do what you need to do under the cover.  You will also need to disconnect the battery so you do not repeatedly engage the starter while trying to hit this pin.  Once the pin is pressed properly, the lock will come out about 1/2 inch.  Then release the lock to the 'run' position and slide it straight out.

I hope this help
Good luck
Doug