Steering Column Repair: 95 S10 Blazer cant remove key, wont shift from park, s10 blazer, lock cylinder

Question
I have a 95 S10 Blazer that I recently replaced the heater core in. While reinstalling the dash I noticed I'd left the keys in the ignition, the key was hanging half way out and didn't want to go in or out any further very easily. I replaced the ignition lock cylinder but now it wont rotaate back far enough to release the key or lock the steering. It also wont shift from park unless done manually by the linkage. Any help?

Answer
Hi Nathan:

There are a couple of reasons why the key will not turn back to the 'lock' position.
1) If the battery is low or dead, the electric shift interlock will not tell the column to release it.  It's an electric locking solenoid that holds the key from turning back all the way.  Make sure the battery is charged and full, or
2) The lock cylinder has failed and part of it is sticking out where it shouldn't be inside the column stopping it from rotating freely all the way back.  This is fairly common and requires a locksmith to build a lock to fit your key, remove the old lock cylinder without damaging the Pass-Lock antitheft system inside the housing and replace the lock.  This usually costs about $100-$150
I hope this helps you