I went out this morning to start my 96 AT and the key wouldn't turn. I did the usual things of jiggling the steering wheel and playing with the shift lever, but it didn't help. And the shift lever wouldn't move out of P. (Yes, I had my foot on the brake.)

The owners manual was out of the glove box and the radio face plate was on the seat. (I usually put it in the side pocket at night--too lazy to take it inside.) I thought my wife had been looking for something, but no. Then I noticed the cop down the street. It turns out our neighbor had their car stolen last night. Mine was stolen about 6 months ago from the same spot. There was a scratch on the plastic housing around the key cylinder, but it otherwise looked fine. So it's pretty obvious they tried to steal my car and for some reason left it to jack my neighbor's Honda.

I pulled out the ignition switch, and it starts fine with a key in the slot. But even with the switch out, I still can't turn the key in the lock cylinder, or get the shift lever to move. But I discovered that if I stick a screwdriver down into the mechanism by the shift lever, I can get it to move enough to allow the shifter to go into gear. Here's a picture. http://s397.photobucket.com/user/Dbe...e7bd0.jpg.html If I push forward on the white thing in the red circle with a screwdriver, I can get the lever to go into gear.

My guess is that the white part in the green circle is electrically activated, and pushes the lever forward a little when you turn the car on, which allows the shift lever to go into gear. That's not happening, maybe because I can't get the key to turn in the lock. Does that sound right? If so, I'd think the key cylinder is my problem somehow, yes?

I can't see how the scumbags could have caused this without causing any other damage, so right now I'm thinking the Max coincidentally decided not to start when the thieves broke in. Or is there a chance that if you open the door without they key it locks it up? I don't have NATS, but I do have a security light. But it's blinking red.

The real question is, how do I get the key to turn in the lock cylinder? But any other insight (other than "move") is awelcome.

EDIT:

My buddy thinks they used some sort of ghost key and f***ed up the lock cylinder. I think he's probably right. Anyone know if that's fixable, other than by putting in a new cylinder?

 

Chances are they stuck something in the lock cylinder and now your key isn't going all the way in. You can get a locksmith to look at it and see. Talk to one first before calling him out and having to pay a service call.

As for the shift mechanism, it is electrically operated by a solenoid. So until you get the key to turn, the shift unlock won't work.

 

I'd just head to a junkyard where you can pull a part & replace it for cheap. Hopefully you don't have a 98-99 *chipped key*

 

a) he stated he has a 96
b)only 99's have chipped keys

Back on topic...

 

I read the post earlier then came back to give my advice which was on topic I just forgot the details...& once again it was a mistake so need for that ... Mr OP like I said try changing the switch

 

You mistook my post. I was the one getting back on topic. I was merely correcting you, since you missed the year (only stated in the first sentence ), and posted bad information about the chipped keys.

Details and facts matter. Don't take it so personally dude...

 

To pull the lock cylinder off of the steering column, you need to drill out special security bolts, a pain in the butt in a junkyard. Not to mention that you won't get the key for that lock from the junkyard, so you will be visiting a locksmith to get the thing re-keyed. So talk with a locksmith first.

 

Well then thanks for the correction. I have no problem being corrected, just the way it was put. I can tell you know what you're talking about so I know the OP will disregard what I said

I stand corrected

 

I'd really like to be able to drive this while I decide whether I want to hassle with drilling out the old ignition lock or having someone do it. (It's been a tough couple of weeks for car repairs...) I can start it with the ignition switch, and I can push the shift lock solenoid linkage forward with a screwdriver to get it into gear, but I can't turn the wheel because I can't turn the key. Is there a way to get the steering wheel lock released without taking out the ignition lock?

 

No. Sorry.

And it's fun!

 

Just try to turn it a little harder. Same thing happened to my gfs car and while she was crying (Girl's get so emotional over the tiniest things) I simply put a little torque in that sweet thang, started right up.

 

Yeah, I figured that. Did you have to take the steering wheel off? How long did it take you?

I wonder if it's possible to chisel the collar off from the sides--put the chisel on the line separating the collar halves and whack away. Seems like it would be easier, as long as you don't risk trashing something in the steering column.

 

Kept the wheel on, dropped it down though for more work room~two bolts, but you have to take out the crash plate too.
I supported the wheel with a wood block on my seat to get a good work angle.

Took me a long time, but I worked with anger. Lol
If I were to do it again, I would try to dremel a deep notch so I could just unscrew it with a flathead.

I drilled with weak bits~carbide I've heard is best~ then I just went at it with a dremel and pliers.

Edit: I was reading above.
Iirc, I got the whole lock assembly that came with the switch & keys for around $120ish.

I like that better than a junkyard and a locksmith.

That is just IMO.

 

You can break the lock pins that lock your steering wheel,did it with a parts car I had to tow but had no keys...its also how thieves drive a car they have hot wired...although it can be done it also makes it 1 less step a thief has to do to steal your car...if you want to do it just turn the wheel to the lock point then stand outside of the car and use your weight to turn the wheel and the pin will snap,if its a tough one or your a lil guy you can have a buddy sit in the passenger seat and help out too...not necessarily recommending you do this just saying it can be done

 

I would not advise trying to chisel the bolts off. You would have to be pounding so long and so hard that I would expect that the vibrations would destroy something like possibly the instrument cluster.

Cut a screwdriver slot in the boltheads with a Dremel (maybe a hacksaw?) and hopefully you can get the bolts out.

 

Great idea!!

 

i lucked out and got a whole cylinder lock from rockauto for around $15 shipped! they've had a close-out sale, so check them out. it's not a bad job. if you're into diy stuff, you'll figure this out. besides, many write-ups floating around.

edit: check this out BECK/ARNLEY Part # 2011758 $7.28 + shipping from rockauto. same deal i got last summer! don't let that picture fool you, it's the whole assembly.

 

Whoa, that worked BEAUTIFULLY. I had it off in a little more than a half hour, and the first 10 minutes of that I spent figuring out my new Dremel. Thanks DMik!

 

Awesome! ~ Why did my suggestion get overlooked?
I said the same thing.

 

Another victim of the Thread Monster.

You're right, though. Lemme go put a point up on the chalk board for you...

 

That's all I ask.

 

We'll give you the "Neglected Child" award for your un-credited efforts.

 

I guess I'll try to keep my answers one liners.

That seems to work.

 

Nah - you just didn't hit him up-side the head hard enough to get his attention.

 

How did you do it?
Live closer?
Lol

 

Doesn't everybody read these threads backwards?

 

Just you.

 

Baseball bat FTW

 

Dude, I live in Oakland. You're going to have to do better than that.

 

Sounds like a physical challenge.

 

Nah, we learn not to be confrontational in Oaktown.