Hello, everybody I'm new here and in search of some help. I have a 2003 SS with a 3.8, while reinstalling my factory radio to reset oil and tire pressure lights(I have an aftermarket radio) the key came out while in the "ON" position. I was able to reinstall the key and turn it off, however now the key wont turn at all and it appears the cylinder is locked. I have found several diagrams on removing the cylinder if it is free moving, none however on removing a locked cylinder.

If anybody can help in any fashion any and all help is appreciated.

I look forward to contributing to this forum in anyway i can.

Thanks again,
Frank

 

Well just so happens I had the same issue. The only way to remove the lock cylinder is to turn the key to the ON position and then press the button to release the cylinder on the lock mechanism. If you cannot turn the key there is a few things to try. Basically you have screwed up the pins inside the lock cylinder so: Jiggle the key and keep trying to turn it, turn it back and forth right and left to try and get it to the on position. If you cannot do that: You might have to call a lock smith. Tell them the situation and let them know you need the cylinder repined or a new lock cylinder- I would go the repin route first cause it will be cheaper. I would not let them tell you that they have to drill it out. This is the disclamer- I had two lock smiths repin my cylinder. The first one did a have A*% job and the key would not click into position like ACC ON and START. Make sure the key clicks into those positions after its repined. My car got stuck on a lift because he repined it wrong for 2 hours till I got a new lock smith to come out. When I told the new locksmith he might need to drill it out he laughed and said he could do it without drilling it. Now it works perfect. HOPE THIS HELPS>

PS- He pined my lock cylinder in a way that now I can pull the key out at any point. If its in the ON ACC or even START position I can pull the key out. I don't mind it because now if I take my dash off I can put the key in the ON position and take the key out so I dont forget (but even if I do) the lock cylinder wont get wrecked.

 

Sorry for the late (extremely, haha). Thanks for the advise helped me out a TON!! Unfortunately my cylinder was not able to be repaired and had to buy a new one, only to find out I have to have find someone to recode it for me (next check hopefully). But THANK YOU once again!! Peace, Frank

 

if your talking about the passlock relearn you can do that yourself.
takes a little more than a half hour. if it needs to be matched to your key on the other hand... sorry sucks to be you.