Steering Column Repair: 2002 silverado lock replacement, needle nose pliers, gm dealership

Question
QUESTION: I also am working on a 2002 silverado lock replacement. The last answer you gave is incorrect as you do not need to pull the steering wheel. This seems to be a common problem with 2002-2005 gm vehicles with the passlock system and the bcm. My question is how do you release the cylinder if you can't get the key to turn to run position? The run position is the only position to insert the allen key into the small hole on top of the cylinder housing to release the cylinder. Should I try to drill the tumblers out?

ANSWER: Hi Allen:
If the lock will not turn, you will need to drill at least some of the lock to remove the 'drop bar' from the bad cylinder.
Look at the new lock cylinder to determine where the bar that drops is located.  Focus your drilling to gain access to the end of that bar, not the tumblers. Once you can get a pair of needle nose pliers on the end of the drop bar, you will be able to slide it out and then rotate what's left of the lock to hit the release pin. (less drilling that way)
Regarding the last answer;
You're right, it's not required, but without pulling the wheel, one needs to be very careful not to damage the 4 way button when removing the upper cover.  If you force it and snap off the red 4-way button, it get's real costly.  That's the only reason I recommended removing the wheel.  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Douglas, thanks for your last reply. I also found out that the passlock system measures the key valleys and crests and that a replacement key made at the hardware store only duplicates the old key which may be worn enabling the passlock system resulting in a no start situation. I suggest having a key made through the GM dealership through VIN code with the correct dimensions before replacing the ignition cylinder, although the steering wheel not locking is a clue that the ignition switch needs replacement. My new question is under great debate. Is the 2002 silverado a ps1 or ps3 system?...thanks again.

Answer
Hi Allen:
You're getting some wrong info.  Passlock does NOT measure any of the key cuts.  It is a system consisting of a sensor in the case sensing  the magnet on the cylinder rotating past it.  If your vehicle goes into Passlock shutdown, it's because of an electronic situation, not a key cut issue.  
I do agree though that copying a worn key will only give you 2 worn keys and both of them may prevent you from rotating the lock cylinder equally.

Regarding your last question, I do not know.  I suggest you contact the parts department of your local GM dealer and have them decode your VIN ...that may tell you

Good talking to you
D