Yes you can, that is the point of the exercise.

 

Oops! As I said.
Yes you can, that is the point of the exercise.

 

Again, Thanks!

 

If you cannot turn the key:, try to vibrate the housing while trying to turn the key, a hammer tapping on the housing near steering column where the pin and spring reside, I used an air chisel with a blunt end with air turned down as not to damage the housing, to violently vibrate the spring and pin, it took seconds and saved me many steps, electronwizard in Milwaukee

 

Thank you! I have an oscillating tool And might try and use that in the same manner.

 

I have a few questions even though I "think" that I've read through the whole topic.
Firstly, by removing the pin and spring do you lose the "key out" steering lock feature and secondly, has anyone determined other than a faulty design what actually causes the pin to freeze in the steering lock position; if that is actually what is happening. I admit that I haven't taken the assembly apart. I have only looked and saved the PDF that shows how to eliminate the parts involved. Thanks..

 

There are posts in this thread that mention the fact that the steering lock is not affected.
I have done the mod and I can assure you that the steering lock is not affected.
I have seen no explanation for the problem and it is not worth pursuing.
The later parts came without these two pieces and work just fine from day one, over engineered is the probable reason for their presence.

 

Hi,

Hopefully you check this and are able to respond. My key is not turning and my steering wheel is locked.

I am hearing I need to remove the steering wheel lock but I don’t know how to do that.

Most everything I see says I need to be able to turn the key but I can’t.

How do I get the old ignition out? Can I grind the little button down next to the steering wheel and pull it out?

Will that unlock the steering wheel?

I’m lost...and need help.

 

Have you read through the beginning of this thread. There are instructions that will hopefully answer most of your questions.

 

Have you seen this PDF?

file:///C:/Users/sam's%20club/Downlo...key_fix_v5.pdf

 

Sorry, bad link. Do a search on this sight for sticky key fix.

 

It is here under "engine electrical".

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...s-repairs.html

 

I had the same problem, I put heavy vibration on the lock housing near the steering column and key turned, once it turned, I kept it turned, and disassembled and removed the entire lock housing, they show you videos of this, the reason the lock jams is a small pin with a tiny spring gets stuck and won't let mechanism turn, the pin is located under a 3/4 inch square plate that can be pried off once you remove the lock housing, pin and spring are not needed, I used a air chisel with blunt tip and turned key at same time, if you do not have access to air chisel, then use an electric vibrating blade wood cutting tool, or have someone tap on lock housing with a hammer not too hard as to damage the housing about two inches from steering column as you try to turn the key, Steve

 

Yes...I have been reading and rereading for a while now...I am stuck in my head on two things in particular.

1. I am replacing the entire assembly...because I cannot turn my key at all...but durning all the steps, what will unlock the steering wheel?

2. The new assembly gets installed...new black ring, new key...do I transfer anything from the old phob to the new one or

3. Is the “key sensor” that I’m supposed to save from the old assembly because the new one doesn’t come with one the thing I unplugged right next to the keyhole?

I’ve taken the dash apart and all so next is drill out the shiny button and take the key sensor off the old assembly right? Then order the new one...pop it in and drive?

 

The instructions explain how to take it apart when the key does not turn, buying a new unit is a waste of money because you are buying the exact same part without the parts that the instructions tell you to take out.
Someone has taken all the trouble to write down how to save money but people still want to waste it.
Here are the instructions in a PDF. CLICK

 

I did not do any grinding, I did not replace any parts, I did not remove lock tumblers from the lock housing, I put heavy vibration on lock housing near clamp with 10mm bolt at same time I moved the steering wheel and key while vibrating the lock housing, the key turned for me, without vibration that key would not turn for me, I considered all drilling methods..., // the heavy vibration from my air chisel was the trick that worked for me, my steering column still locks without that tiny pin and spring. electronwizard

 

in the PDF/instructions it talks about installing the new one though...you’re saying I don’t need a new one at all?

 

I don’t wanna waste money...I just don’t wanna break my car by doing something wrong.

 

Here are a few close up photos from when I removed my locked up ignition.

As soon as you pull this assembly out, your steering will be unlocked.

Once you grind the pin down and loosen the clamp with the 10mm nut, it just slides out of the column.

Super easy. I had mine out and back in in less than an hour. You do not need a new assembly, you reuse the old one.

The first picture is overall view, second picture is the pin ground down, third picture is the hatch and spring/pin removed.

You don't have to remove the tumbler assembly if you grind down the pin.

I tried using an air chisel to vibrate the assembly to see if my key would turn and it wouldn't. Grinding the pin was what works for most.

Jared

 

It says install the new one or farther down the page it tells you how to fix and reuse the original one.
It gives both options, I guess you misread it.