2001 key lock cylinder

[mattt]

Someone tried to steal my brother's 2001 recently. They shoved something into the key cylinder and tore off the column cover plastic clamshell. For unknown reasons, they gave up and didn't take the truck. Now we have to get this thing operational again. Right now, the key will go in and make the door chime go, but the key will not turn at all. It looks like to change out the key lock cylinder, you have to be able to turn it so the release on top can be pushed in and released. With a key that will not turn, what is plan B for removing and replacing the key lock cylinder? Thanks

 

[Fless]

@OR VietVet, any suggestions? I know you've worked on ignition switch issues.

 

[OR VietVet]

First thing I would do is remove the ignition switch and then see if the lock cylinder turns ok, If not, you need a lock cylinder, If does, then the ignition switch is locked up or the gear teeth are not even close to correct. If the switch is keyed/geared correctly, when you pull it down, look at the teeth. There is a fat spot on the left. The rest of the teeth are evenly spaced. If you can see the fat spot, and you can move the teeth, just roll to the left to when the fat spot just disappears and no further. Then reinstall the switch and see if the key turns before you put it all back together.

 

[mattt]

First thing I would do is remove the ignition switch and then see if the lock cylinder turns ok, If not, you need a lock cylinder, If does, then the ignition switch is locked up or the gear teeth are not even close to correct. If the switch is keyed/geared correctly, when you pull it down, look at the teeth. There is a fat spot on the left. The rest of the teeth are evenly spaced. If you can see the fat spot, and you can move the teeth, just roll to the left to when the fat spot just disappears and no further. Then reinstall the switch and see if the key turns before you put it all back together.

Thanks for the reply. How do you remove the ignition switch without first removing the lock cylinder? The lock cylinder is definitely jacked up, as it will not turn. In this pic, I have the allen wrench in the lock cylinder release hole and nothing is turning to even let the allen wrench reach the release button.

 

[OR VietVet]

Well, now that I look at the ignition switch for the 01, it is a bit different than the one for my 05. Lots of wiring/harness attached/part of the assembly instead of a simple clip to release. In this case I would either look at videos at you tube or go to charm.li and see how to disassemble.

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charm.li

Plus, in the future, supply vehicle info. More than just "01".