Changing an ignition switch

[bohn]

My wife has this 97 Malibu with the key in the dash (not the column) and the key won't turn anymore, Worked wiggling it for awhile but not anymore. I went down and bought a $140 ignition switch which is basicly the lock assembly. Problem is that there is a plastic sleeve this switch slides into and there is a spring loaded stop that pops into the sleeve when the switch is inserted. Now here the trick, the stop can only be compressed when the switch is in the on position. Since i can't turn the key, how do i get the key to the on position to compress the stop and get the switch out. Hmmm. I tried to drill out the stop but its hardened and not gonna work. Anybody encounter this before?? I'm pretty stumped and need to get this fixed.

[STL2SLO]

Try pounding a screwdriver into the cylinder and turning it with a pliers. Or with the key inserted try and turn the cylinder with a pliers.

[BLUE66]

Also try pounding the key with a hammer while it is inserted into the cylinder, and turning at the same time.

[396BBC]

Drill out the cylinder.

[UPdragracer]

Try pounding a screwdriver into the cylinder and turning it with a pliers. Or with the key inserted try and turn the cylinder with a pliers.

this should work LOL

[Beau Herbst]

i've had the whole assembly go bad on a few cars too the lock cylinder may not be the only problem

[bohn]

Well no luck with the screw driver or the hammer idea. I've gave up for now leaving for Key west tomorrow so its gonna have to wait till i come back.

[bohn]

Well got the switch changed this morning, i had to cut the plastic sleeve but it will work. When i first tried to start it the Theft light came on and it wouldn't start. I disconnected the battery for 10 minutes to reset the ecm and then tried to start it an no luck. I called a GM dealer and they said to leave the key in the on position for 10 minutes and the theft will reset itself. I did that and now there is no theft light anymore but car will still not start. Plugs are dry and fuel pump kicks on, so for some reason its not firing the injectors. Went thru all the fuses and nothing is blown. Anybody have any ideas?

[Slow Ride]

put a carb on it.

[grant]

call the dealer back you might have to enter some kind of code.a buddy i know changed his steering colum on his chevy truck and had to do this