Steering Column Repair: key wont turn, gm vehicles, lock cylinder

Question
My 95 Sierra 1500  series, we used it this morning and everything was fine . Now the key wont turn at all . I tried to lubricate the tumblers and tap the key while turning it, moving the shifter and turning , using a different key and moving the wheel while turning. Nothing has worked. We have never had any problems with the ignition switch.

Answer
Hi Mike:
This is typically how the lock cylinders fail (all of a sudden).  I would suggest you continue to attempt to get it to turn one last time as that is the only way the lock can be removed short of drilling and chiseling.

We have recently uploaded pages and a description of how to replace the lock cylinder on GM vehicles.  They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions. Here is a link to that page.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/gmcyl.php
Lastly, I would have a new lock cylinder in hand before you begin, to accomplish finishing this job quickly and avoid it locking up again.

Good luck
Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com