ignition lock cylinder help.

[lilbeefy]

my ignition lock cylinder is froze, I put my key in and cannot turn it in either direction. I cant move my steering wheel because it is locked and I tried everything to free it. Question is , I know I need to put a punch in the hole in the cylinder and pull it out with the lick cylinder in the "run" position, How can I get it in the run position if it will not turn at all? Or shall I say how can I get the cylinder out if I cant get the pin pushed in? Oh by the way it is a 96 ex xlt. Thanks in advance for all your help guys.

 

[lilbeefy]

anyone? a little help is all I ask.

 

[btimm86]

keep trying. turn the steering wheel hard and the key will free up. mine gets stuck like that all the time. if that doesn't work then i have no idea. wack it with a hammer?

 

[lilbeefy]

keep trying. turn the steering wheel hard and the key will free up. mine gets stuck like that all the time. if that doesn't work then i have no idea. wack it with a hammer?

I have tried turning as mentioned, I have had that problem before also, I have also found replacing the keys with new ones also worked once before, but now I tried 4 different keys (all for the same truck). I will replace the lock if I could get it to the run position to pop the locating pin in to pull out the lock cylinder, with it in the off position the locating pin will not go in far enough.

 

[btimm86]

do u have a haynes manual? maybe you could just take your whole thing apart and see if you can somehow unlock the steering wheel.

 

[lilbeefy]

o.k. here is the update, I picked up a lock cylinder for 20 bucks, went into my garage, picked up my 5 pound thor hammer, and beat the living crap outta the pin, it blew into the lock and walla, lock is out and new lock is in. All back to normal. thanks for the few ideas thrown about.

 

[btimm86]

i knew the hammer would work. it always does

 

[MONMIX]

sorry so late.
dissasemble the colum trrim there is a tiny button you push and the whole shebang slides right out.

sorry, but at least you got it.

 

[Capri302]

Old thread, same problem.

OK; steering wheel and ignition lock is locked up; been trying all kinds of things. Lower part of coloumn removed.

This is a 1996 4WD V6. Factory alarm system.

I was going on holiday this weekend. so.... Is there a way I can free ups the lock & be able to drive the car without changing the lock?

Could I hammer in the pin (or is it ball? looks like that from what I can see) from under the lock housing, get the cylinder out, clean up & then install it and run?

Plz let me know if you have any tricks up your sleeve!

NEED HELP ASAP!

Thanks
RS

 

[Capri302]

You guys are too slow! Had to borrow a car from my brother in law....

Will have to get a new locking cylinder... Do I have to order ebay, or does someone in Norway have them in stock? Let's see....

Thanks
RS

 

[ExDude]

 

[DieselHilux]

In the time it takes you guys to mess with the lock cylinder you can go to the junk yard get a used column and install it in about an hour………

 

[MONMIX]

You guys are too slow! Had to borrow a car from my brother in law....

sorry I was in bed sleeping most of the morning and then I had the normal Saturday morning errands to run.

 

[ExDude]

 

[Capri302]

Yeah, and I usually only check into ExplorerForum every 5 hours, so you (Capri302) must have caught me at a bad time...

You guys are great, thanks for your answers.

Well; I've tried the lubing & worked the key, but still stuck.

I'm picking up a new lock at the dealer today. HOWEVER.... The lock does NOT com assembled with new keys. This is a 96- model (for Export- I'm in Norway) 4.0 4x4.

The only available part was an unassembled lock where you have to stack the tumbler pins(?) to your old key. I'm gonna have to post again for help on this if I don't get it the first time.... although I usually do

I'll have to use the hammer- way to get the lock out. Anyhting to look out for, so it won't get stuck?

Wish me luck.

Thanks again, folks.

 

[Capri302]

Quick update:

Started with the hammer... did some pounding. When I jiggled the key TA-DA I could move the key... So, its' still there and it works.

However.... I might build the new lock assembly as an insurance for this not to happen again.

I hope for som input on finding the key code and cut depth for each tumbler. Here's what the instructions say:

"Use the OEM key code provided with the veichle and look up the cut pattern in the key code table"

Then what I need to know is How do I find the OEM key code and Where can i find a key code table???

For now I'll try my luck and go on a small holiday trip with the old locking cylinder...

Thanks

runeS.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The new lock should have come with instructions on
how to measure the key to come up with the lock
code. There are only about 5 different depths (I think),
and if you have a good measuring gauge and a good
eye the code is easy to figure out.

 

[Capri302]

Runnin'on- I guess you're right. I'm a bit lazy these days, so look for the easiest way...

I'll try to return the lock today, as i'ts been working well since the "fix".

Thanks

RS