Ignition cylinder locked, no start

[Mike70gtx]

I can't get my car started or out of gear. The key come out mid-way, between lock and start. I can't turn it all the way off and lock the steering wheel. I can turn it far enough for the dash lights to light up, but it won't go far enough to start. I had to leave it in our church parking lot, praying it will be there in the morning. Is it going to be the ignition cylinder gone bad? I'll pull the steering wheel tomorrow. Any advice?

 

[Beast_TR]

Had the same thing happen to me once, key would not come out and would barely turn to start. Ended up buying a new tumbler at the parts store for less than $15 (I think) never looked back. Very easy to replace too.

 

[Tampa T-Type]

If it's not the key

You have a tang on top if the steering shaft that moves the gear locator. If this became lodged it could lock your wheel.
One more option to look at.

 

[Ormand]

Can you turn the sleeve on the steering column? The shift linkage from the transmission connects back to that sleeve, which works as the interlock to keep you from starting car in drive. It will also keep the column from locking when the car is in gear. If the linkage gets out of adjustment, the switch will not work right, and could lock up altogether.

 

[Mike70gtx]

OK! I tried the part on the steering column. I can turn it one way and then the key will turn and allow me to start it. I can turn it the other way and then I can get it to the lock mode. But I still can't get the trans out of park. So you're saying there will be a problem with the linkage going to that column. Will it be along the column below the dash?

 

[VadersV6]

OK! I tried the part on the steering column. I can turn it one way and then the key will turn and allow me to start it. I can turn it the other way and then I can get it to the lock mode. But I still can't get the trans out of park. So you're saying there will be a problem with the linkage going to that column. Will it be along the column below the dash?

Go under the car on the drivers side and look at all that linkage. Start messing with the adjustment and you'll get it. I went through hell the first month owning my car cause it was such a complete piece of **** in every sense. The engine would stall (ran on about 3 cylinders at idle.."its got a cam in it thats why!") and then the ignition would get stuck and I couldnt restart. I would be at a toll booth with 20 cars behind me honking and yelling, while I'm starting to freak out cause I cant get the POS started. I discovered the steering column ring thing by accident after a month or so. I wasnt able to get the shifter down to first gear, and the ignition problems...and I found that by adjusting that linkage underneath, i was able to fix alot of those issues.

 

[Mike70gtx]

Got it! Thanks everyone. The linkage that runs from the transmission came off at the steering column under the hood by the firewall. The washer and clip where even laying on an edge on the firewall. It just took awhile to try to get the pin back in with the wire harness and minimal space to work.
Thanks again.
P.S. the most exciting thing was that fact that my car was still here this morning after being in our church parking lot along the interstate all night. Those angels come in handy.

 

[Mike70gtx]

I also found my code 24 and why my speedometer quit working. The cable was against the header and it melted.