This 2001 Chevrolet Silverado came in with the complaint that the ignition key will not turn most of the time. I removed and inspected the lock cylinder and housing assemblies and found the fault with the tumbler assembly. The following are pictures of dis assembly.
Grasp the corner of the dash and pull out. Repeat pulling process across the dash.
Remove the screws from the bottom cover and pull the whole cover towards the seat and remove. Do not pull just on the bottom edge or you will break retainers. Work the whole panel loose top to bottom.
Remove the tilt wheel handle by wiggling and pulling straight out towards driver’s door
Remove screws from steering column cover, separate and remove.
Remove the steel knee bolster from under steering column. There are four nuts, two on each side.
Locate and separate the ignition switch junction block at left side of steering column.
Now go back to the lock cylinder and work the key until you finally get it switched on. Changing the position of the key in and out slightly while wiggling and rocking the switch will usually allow the key to turn on. It may take quite a bit of trying if the lock is in real bad shape. After the key is turned on, rotate it fully to the crank position and depress the retaining pin in the top of the assembly. With the pin pushed in pull the lock cylinder out.
Install new tumbler by inserting in the ignition housing and turn the key off. Reassemble and you are done.
I am going to do another post on how to code the new tumbler kit to your key.
Update July 11, 2011:
Well it was bound to happen, a bull in a china shop had difficulty reinstalling the lock cylinder and has now messed up his steering column. Wants to blame poor information from this site. I cannot stress enough that all of the work performed by me, on this site requires an extreme eye towards detail and a gentle touch. No part of this repair in particular should require any force or coercion of any kind!
Some extra things to keep in mind:
The new ignition switch needs to be indexed into the exact position, as the old switch was in, when it was removed. The ON position.
The key tumbler assembly needs to be checked, to make sure the locking bar drops flat and even towards the center of the tumbler assembly when the key is installed. If it does not, DO NOT INSTALL IT!
There is a retaining bar/panel that holds the springs in place for the individual tumblers. If it is not fully installed and flat, no protrusions past the outside edge of the tumbler housing, DO NOT INSTALL IT!
If you can’t get the key to turn to the start position, how can you get the lock cylinder out? I have already broken one key. It will only turn from off to acc, Thanks
Great info sparky I used you instructions and work great I did it in friend’s 07 silverado thanks
After you have sprayed, lubed, wiggled, jiggled and bumped the key and lock cylinder, walk away and comeback to it in a half hour or so and try again. Sometimes letting someone else try works also. Can’t think of the number of times I have come behind some one else or I have had some one else try and the stupid things will suddenly turn. The important thing is to be prepared for it and not accidentally turn the key back off. If none of that works you have two options.
Get a locksmith involved or buy a new lock cylinder housing.
I have the same problem… my key will not turn at all, I have tried everything…. What do I do ??
Thanks
First check for any damage to the three wire connector on top of the lock cylinder housing. Next check to see if there was a receiver that was under the lock cylinder head. As evidenced by unknown wiring. If you have wiring that you do not know what it goes to the receiver is missing. If all looks okay. turn the ignition off. Disconnect both battery leads and hold the cable ends together for one minute. Reconnect the battery cables to the battery. Try to start the engine. If it starts great. If not, leave the key on for ten minutes or until the security light stops flashing and/or goes out. Turn the ignition off for at least ten seconds but no more than thirty. Try to start the engine again.This process may have to be repeated up to four times before the system will complete a theft relearn. make sure your battery is fully charged or put a battery charger on it. If the battery voltage goes too low the relearn will be aborted.