Can't turn truck off, key won't go back to off.

[91/454]

Right now I can't even turn the key back to off. I had to pull the coil wire to turn it off. I can turn it to the start position. I can't even remove the key from the ignition. I am assuming that I need a new ignition switch.

Before I go to all the trouble to replace the ignition switch, is the switch the problem? It has been acting up in the past.
I had to adjust the linkage under the hood to get it to work before. The truck is a 91 2WD one ton dually with a 116K miles on it.

Update: I replaced the key, it seems to work smoothly, however when I turn the key to the start mode nothing happens. The gauges all peg to the max, and I can hear it click under the dash. The battery is fine.
What gives?


Thanks
Mike

[red suburban]

auto tranny in park? stupid i know but it happens. i'd say its time for a new switch

[popcenator]

That sounds like one hell of a predicament...I've never heard of that problem before. I have no solution for you but I just had to say that. Good luck though man, I hope you get it fixed.

[Biggreentank]

You sure are going to waste a lot of gas.

[Chop Top]

It's the tumbler. I don't know what year yours is, but my 2001 HD left me stuck in park, on a hill, in the rain, far far away from anywhere NEAR where even a tow truck could get to me. I was so desperate I almost took off the linkage and bypassed the safety switch. I got that thing fixed the very next day.

It's about 200 bucks to get a new tumbler with installation. Sounds like the same problem as mine. Just think if you skip on it now and it happens again in a Taco Bell drive-through at 2AM or some crap. Not good.


CT

[Copy Man]

This happend to me not too long ago. I coulden't get the key to off to get it out of the ignition. I was pulling a fuse to kill the motor I forget which fuse. I paid like $180 for a new tumbler and install.

[91/454]

Update, I did fool around with linkage trying new positions to see if it would work. I finally forced it back to the off position and took the key out.
I went and had a new key made. The old key was worn out, and unfortuntely the key will did not copy very well. I tried the new key and it will not go all the way to the start position. It almost makes it, it makes a click noise, but it will not go all the way to start. I got it to start last week, then it died, that is when this whole thing started. The old key does the same thing. I am going to try one more locksmith to see they can duplicate the key better.

Mike

[1LoC10]

thats strange...seems like if the key were worn out it would be easier to take out not harder

[Striker49]

Yea, my key is so worn that I can stick it in, turn it past the lock and pull the key out and am able to start the truck. You do have to have the key to get past the lock still, but I'm due for a replacement. :lol:

[kevinschoeneman]

A new Key and switch ASSY is about $12 and you can install it in about 20 min with the right tool rented from the auto parts store . i did it in the parking lot of advanced auto part the last time a replaced mine Good luck.

[SimpleGreen]

If its a 94 and back its super easy. Mine broke in the school parking lot one day and wouldnt let me turn it far enough to start the truck. The next day I bought a steering wheel puller from Autozone for like $15 and replaced the key tumbler in about an hour. Works like new now.

[kev2809]

ya, about 12 bucks from o reily is what i paid. then 40 for a shop to have the cylinder changed. just make sure you get keys for the door too cuz the new ones obviously wont work. i almost locked myself out like that in my suburban..

[gotnitro]

Yea, my key is so worn that I can stick it in, turn it past the lock and pull the key out and am able to start the truck. You do have to have the key to get past the lock still, but I'm due for a replacement. :lol:

:word: im in the same boat. Im sticking with the saying "if it anit broke, dont fix it". So i just make sure my doors are good and locked down.

[SC454SS]

Im a locksmith and just a quick bit of advice to everyone... WD-40 is ur best friend.. right in the key hole. also there is a way to cut the keys to factory specs if u can get a hold of ur key code.. for most of the older GM single sided keys it is stamped on the key where u put key ring through, but most people punch that little rectangle out so the hole is bigger and throw away their key code not knowing that stamp means something. Its easy to change the cylinder though, like some of u said u just need a steering wheel puller and some other common tools... just make sure u save ur key code tag that comes with the new keys and if it happens to u next time pm me the code and ill mail u ur keys

[91/454]

SC454, I found the key code and had a locksmith cut a new key with the same results. I guess the ignition is broken. I will go buy a new ignition and see what happens. Its seems strange that the ignition appears to work smoothly (with a new key) now, and yet it will not turn all the way over to start it.

Thanks for everyones input.

Mike

[SC454SS]

SC454, I found the key code and had a locksmith cut a new key with the same results. I guess the ignition is broken. I will go buy a new ignition and see what happens. Its seems strange that the ignition appears to work smoothly (with a new key) now, and yet it will not turn all the way over to start it.

Thanks for everyones input.

Mike
Very weird man.. id say get urself the new ignition cylinder first, being that its not going to hurt if thats not the problem cause it doesnt cost much.. but once u pull out the old one try and stick something in there and turn it to start the truck without the cylinder in there.. if it starts without a problem then u know it was the old cylinder. If ur still having the same problem check some of the linkages that go to the ignition switch, it could be that or the ignition switch itself. some people call the ignition cylinder(where u put the key) an ignition switch.. those r 2 different things u need to check both.. the switch has linkages that go to it and electrical plugs, and when u turn the key in the cylinder it moves the linkages and controls the switch which is most of the time mounted to the steering column somewhere.

[96 silvy]

sounds like you need a new ignition cylinder. I had the same exact thing happen to me on my old 1990 pickup. threw in a new igniton cylinder for like 20 bucks at the most.

[MercedesChevy]

my truck wont turn on.. but i can take my key out lol