Actuator rack and sector gear ignition

[rosaprop333]

I’m having trouble finding any information about changing the actuator rack and sector gear for the ignition. All I can find is information about changing the ignition switch or the key Tumbler. The key will not return from start to run.Does anyone have any advice/resources about accessing the rack and gear? My guess is taking off the Tumbler housing. It looks like it’s secured with only two screws. 2010 Yukon Xl Denali.

 

[thefrey]

What exactly is the current issue?

Sometimes the key will be stuck and you can’t turn the car on from the steering wheel locking. If you wiggle the wheel, it will allow the key to move again. I am sure you know this, but does this solve your issue or is it something different?

 

[Doubeleive]

I’m having trouble finding any information about changing the actuator rack and sector gear for the ignition. All I can find is information about changing the ignition switch or the key Tumbler. The key will not return from start to run.Does anyone have any advice/resources about accessing the rack and gear? My guess is taking off the Tumbler housing. It looks like it’s secured with only two screws. 2010 Yukon Xl Denali.

remove the plastic housing around the upper steering column, remove the security ring.
using a paper clip or similar poker type tool, depress the access hole on top of the key cylinder housing while pulling outward on the cylinder lock and it will pop out.
you can then insert a new lock cylinder, I would use a oem one and be sure it is keyed to your existing key/vin.
be sure to use grease on the new cylinder
a word of caution if the lock cylinder is not keyed properly as soon as you turn it back it then becomes locked and will not turn again.
probably best to just let the dealer do it or a locksmith just in case.
if you have a locksmith do it you can have the new one on hand and everything ready to go, cover off, etc and it should be cheap enough.

 

[rosaprop333]

remove the plastic housing around the upper steering column, remove the security ring.
using a paper clip or similar poker type tool, depress the access hole on top of the key cylinder housing while pulling outward on the cylinder lock and it will pop out.
you can then insert a new lock cylinder, I would use a oem one and be sure it is keyed to your existing key/vin.
be sure to use grease on the new cylinder
a word of caution if the lock cylinder is not keyed properly as soon as you turn it back it then becomes locked and will not turn again.
probably best to just let the dealer do it or a locksmith just in case.
if you have a locksmith do it you can have the new one on hand and everything ready to go, cover off, etc and it should be cheap enough.

Thanks for the reply, but I’m not looking to replace the cylinder. The key cylinder fits into a slot at the back of the housing. When you turn the key that slot turns another set of gears and those gears turn the ignition switch to the different positions, start run: it is those gears that turn the ignition switch that I need to fix.

 

[rosaprop333]

What exactly is the current issue?

Sometimes the key will be stuck and you can’t turn the car on from the steering wheel locking. If you wiggle the wheel, it will allow the key to move again. I am sure you know this, but does this solve your issue or is it something different?

The key cylinder fits into a slot. That slot turns another set of gears those gears turn the ignition switch to run start. It is those set of gears that turn the ignition switch that I need to fix either the spring came undone to return the key to the run position or the plastic broke.

 

[Doubeleive]

Thanks for the reply, but I’m not looking to replace the cylinder. The key cylinder fits into a slot at the back of the housing. When you turn the key that slot turns another set of gears and those gears turn the ignition switch to the different positions, start run: it is those gears that turn the ignition switch that I need to fix.

then you need the ignition housing I have not done one, but based on the photo's I am guessing the steering wheel will need to be pulled to access the bolts, you could probably hit the junkyard and grab one cheaper than what they cost new which looks to be around $180 or so.
that would also give you a little practice on the process, be careful of the clockspring if that has to come off.
be sure to disconnect the battery first. should be plug-n-play as long as you use the existing security ring.