Steering Column Repair: Buick Ignition Lock Jammed, channel lock pliers, plastic bezel

Question
QUESTION: Hi Doug,

Hope you are still out there ?!  I have still not been able to unjam my 2000 Buick LeSabre ignition lock from a couple of weeks ago.  I now have the trim off and access to the release pin hole - but the manual (Haynes) says press an alan wrench into the hole and turn the lock to 'run' - but I still cannot turn the key !  I have also removed the gear shift interlock so that is not the problem and have removed the key sensor switch as well.

Any suggestions gratefully received

Cheers
Paul Jones

ANSWER: Hi Paul:
Sorry to hear about your ongoing problem.  You are going to need to replace the lock cylinder because that is the part that has failed.
Carefully, you will need to break off the plastic bezel that the key goes into revealing the metal part of the lock.  Do not damage the plastic electronic module around the lock either.
Disconnect the battery.  Then with the key inserted, and a pair of channel-lock pliers, make the lock rotate to the run position.  At that point you will be able to push the release pin through that hole and pull the lock out with the pliers.
The lock has jammed inside the housing, that's why it won't rotate. You're going to make it rotate so you can remove it and replace it with an new cylinder.  Just don't break the key as it has the computer chip in the head (if if has 'pk2' or 'pk3' stamped on the shaft near the head).

Good luck
Doug

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

QUESTION: Hi Doug,

Progress !!!  As suggested used the channel locks and got the lock free - but it is still in - seems to work i that t turns to all the right places and all the lights come on - but it will not fire the starter motor - an recharging the battery now but do not think that is it.  The key urns to the start position but it does not even fire the starter solenoid ?  I probably broke something when forcing the lock ? Will extract it fully and replace - will that solve it ?

Cheers
Paul Jones

Answer
Hi Paul:

Good, No worries;
The antitheft is looking for the key inside the cylinder.  With the new lock installed using the original key, you should fire right up.  You will have to have the new lock created to fit the original key (at a dealer or a locksmith).  Then it installs by simply sliding it in, in the 'on' position and it should rotate fine.

Keep  going with the lock, but don't start making more problems elsewhere (starter, solenoid, switches...they should all be fine)
D