I was able to get the key cylinder on my 2001 Chevy Suburban to release when it would no longer turn so that it could be removed. This should work for anyone with the same problem.
Removal tip. Great video! - I just wanted to add a small tip for anyone having problems getting the cylinder to turn. I had lost my keys and apparently the ignition key cylinder was replaced sometime before I bought the vehicle. I took my VIN to a Chevy dealership and they made me new keys that worked on the door locks but not did not work the ignition. They figured the ignition had been changed out as the key should have worked for both. I was having some real difficulty getting the allen wrench into the slot that the video mentioned. I too tried a number of sizes and many other items to try and compress the bar that would allow the cylinder to turn. After numerous attempts over a few days time and trying to find other videos addressing this issue, I went back to this video and tried again. Since I did not have the correct key (lost) I inserted one of the keys that worked the door locks and struggled to get the allen wrench into the slot. I suspected that the little lip on the bar you need to compress was sticking up just enough to block the allen wrench from getting back far enough. After jiggling the key in the ignition and slightly turning the key back and forth minimally (as it is locked), the allen wrench went all the way in. The cylinder still would not turn. I then rotated the allen wrench slightly and the little ridge on the allen wrench was just enough to compress the bar and get the cylinder to turn. I spent a number of hours trying to get it out and finally was able to replace the cylinder. Thanks so much for the video.
EVERYONE forget all the other videos if you Chevy ignition tumbler is locked. This is by far the best video and I have spent hours watching dozens of videos!! I am grateful you took the time to share with us Andru. Thanks!!
After being stuck for 2 days on a 2001 Silverado, I couldn't change the ignition lock without being able to turn the key, I found this video. It took me a few minutes to commit to breaking the plastic off. That was a leap! Anyway, Thanks! I was able to get the allen in there and turn the key. Then I was able to successfully put a new one in and fix my brothers truck. Thank you so much!
This absilutely worked! I did it on my 2001 GMC Silverado HD. To get it down to just the key hole and that little hole where you put the alen wrench in you gotta break the plastic shroud and a little metal ring off around the key hole. This absolutely works! Thank you for posting this video!
Had the ignition switch stuck in a work truck. This is the only thing on the internet that tells you this is how you fix it, even with it being 20+ years since the trucks were made. Amazing video, thanks for the help
YOU THE MAN! I have done so many pre 95 GM steering columns i can and have done them blind folded...A guy gave me a 95 suburban...'died while driving"...i borrow a friend, his truck and trailer, drove 30 miles to get it...get there and dude can't find the keys. Looked for an hour...locksmith? sunday in parker az..? pulled the covers off...GM seems to have tried to make it a bit harder to steal...needed to get back on the road....10 min with a chisel and 3lb sluggo and i had the wheel 'unlocked"...Got a used column...even the right color....for $30...they wanted a hun for one with a key...Out of a dozen vids you are the only guy who figured out the trick for no key...THANK YOU!
Thank you very much! for over a week I was trying different methods to get the cylinder to turn with no avail... This worked for a 2002 Chevy Suburban. I appreciate very much you having uploading this video.
Hey dude. Thank you sooooooooo much for posting this. Mine was a bit more difficult then yours but none the less it worked. I had to really play around with it before it finally came free but it worked. Thank you. For those that don’t know there’s a rectangular plate that sits in that whole and when the key goes in it is SUPPOSED to be able to push it in with a wire or object to turn the ignition. I had to put the truck in drive and turn the key all the way to that start position to get it to release. Thanks again bro. Life saver
Thanks for the tip! Somebody tried to steal my Chevy van with a screwdriver and messed up the lock I used a small flat blade screwdriver in place of the Allen key and it worked perfectly. Now to remove the cylinder. That's proving much harder.
I just helped a friend with this lock cylinder problem, after getting switch to turn, removinging cylinder was not possible untill i turned the switch to crank position to get it to releasewhile depressing the spring loaded tab threw access hole at end of cylinder assembly,, thanks for great vidio, was big help
Last night, in the process of trying to steal my 02 GMC Sierra, they broke the front spring that pushes that lock bar back when the key is inserted. Needless to say, I was in bad shape. Couldn't turn the ignition in order to pull it out and replace it. I'd seen the videos you mentioned (mallet and the air chisel), and even tried a few other things to no avail. Your video saved the day. Fantastic job! Thanks!!
Thank you!!! I saw the drop bar slot and wondered about it. Same exact thing happened to me with the rubber mallet. Your a life saver. Now I can get to work!
😀 you sir are a genius after messing with my same ignition lock on a 98 Cheyenne I did what you said and it worked finally got the stupid pop up bracket to go back down so the cylinder would rotate thank you for posting
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! I work far from home this happened to me in the middle of nowhere and because of this info I got it to star! Great information 👍
You saved us tonight!!!! Thank you so much we did the same until we found this video you are an Angel thanks for your help do you have a Venmo we want to bless you
Adding myself to the rest of those who found this to be a successful method. 5/64" was the size that worked for me. My experience also included considerable wiggling and the appearance of some crumbs of an indeterminate origin.
THANX !!!!! i was in same situation trying everything for hours or wrestling with it i came across your video and a couple minutes i got it off !!! Keep making videos ver y helpful
I really appreciate u some dip shit was gonna charge me 175 to change it out because I could not get it to turn to take it off after watching your video I paid 35 bucks and did it my self in 3 mins flat god speed my friend god speed
Today I bought a 1999 suburban w/160k on the clock. I drove straight to the gas station, I had only driven 4 miles at this time. The guy told me the key was sticky and he started it for me, I’ve had other suburbans with slightly sticky ignition so this was no big deal. I was at the gas station for an hour trying to start it, the seller even came over and tried himself and couldn’t do it. It’s possible that this thing gave up the ghost today, but I have a suspicion it’s been a pain in his ass too. After a long day of waiting for a tow truck, getting it towed home and struggling to do so because the wheel was locked in the turned position. Needless to say, my wife was not happy so I went straight to the parts store in our other car and bought a new ignition lock cylinder and order to change it ASAP. Every video I watched said that it had to be in the start position which drove me nuts because I could not get mine there. Your video saved the day, thank you sir! 👏🏻🧐I owe you one!🍻
Worked on my 2003 Hummer H2. THANK YOU!!! Had to work the (5/64) wrench into the slot, and jiggle with the key and allen wrench a bit, but it did work and I got the rig home. Never go to PEPBOYS!
I won't say how long it's been since I've been to PepBoys, but not since I was a little kid going with my dad - we don't have them where I've spent most of my life :) --- Glad it worked for you.
just an FYI to anyone who's about to try this I just did this with a 5/64 allen key, so that size will work... it's a little tight but I got the truck started
Jesus Gamboa hey bro how did you do it ? did you have to wiggle it or what ? I was able to put a Allen wrench and what size he said 3/64? I can't find that one lol
Jesus - I've drilled cylinders out before, it doesn't always go well. Glad it helped. Sub Zero - I think this only works if you don't have other issues in the key itself causing it to bind up - did that end up being your problem? I'm not 100% sure on the allen wrench size, just try to get the drop bar to push up, but hopefully you got it to work by now.
Just saw your comment. You've probably figured your problem out by now, but if for some reason you haven't post back a reply. On this Suburban (& other GM trucks) and at least up through 2004 this is purely mechanical, so a blown fuse wouldn't cause the key not to turn. On newer GM trucks I'm not sure. Look first for the most common problem for a key cylinder not turning - a locked steering wheel that's putting pressure on & binding up the cylinder. Crank the steering wheel hard if you need to to make sure there' s no pressure. If the key still won't turn then look for other issues.
I had to work it a little bit to get the bar to push up, but not too much effort was required, no tapping, but if the bar is too far down to work the allen wrench under it you may need to push something sharp/pointed under it first to get it to move. Also, the key has to be in the ignition/cylinder for the bar to be able to move so this doesn't work without the key or if the key release portion of the cylinder is damaged.
No, just break off the plastic cover and it's right there - as long as it's this same design, the older cylinders (where the cover has the 2 tabs) may be different though.
You still need the key to get it to release unless you could somehow break the bar that drops down. If you look at videos showing guys drilling the column (like showing you how to steal one of these vehicles), that's what they're doing is drilling into the area where that bar comes down to essentially break it free from the cylinder.
unfortunately, allen wrench didn't work for me, 1.5mm allen is too small, 2mm allen is too big, must be something in the middle but luckily, a small screwdriver did! Hurray!! 2003 Suburban. This is the least destructive method of all the other methods that I've watched on TH-cam and it's the actual solution to the problem. I hope everyone else delete their videos and send everyone here for instructions.
Removal tip. Great video! - I just wanted to add a small tip for anyone having problems getting the cylinder to turn. I had lost my keys and apparently the ignition key cylinder was replaced sometime before I bought the vehicle. I took my VIN to a Chevy dealership and they made me new keys that worked on the door locks but not did not work the ignition. They figured the ignition had been changed out as the key should have worked for both. I was having some real difficulty getting the allen wrench into the slot that the video mentioned. I too tried a number of sizes and many other items to try and compress the bar that would allow the cylinder to turn. After numerous attempts over a few days time and trying to find other videos addressing this issue, I went back to this video and tried again. Since I did not have the correct key (lost) I inserted one of the keys that worked the door locks and struggled to get the allen wrench into the slot. I suspected that the little lip on the bar you need to compress was sticking up just enough to block the allen wrench from getting back far enough. After jiggling the key in the ignition and slightly turning the key back and forth minimally (as it is locked), the allen wrench went all the way in. The cylinder still would not turn. I then rotated the allen wrench slightly and the little ridge on the allen wrench was just enough to compress the bar and get the cylinder to turn. I spent a number of hours trying to get it out and finally was able to replace the cylinder. Thanks so much for the video.
I think you just might have saved my arse!! I'm going to try this..I pray to God it works cuz I've been drilling and seemingly not getting real far...
Wow, thank you. Saved me a tow and mechanic labor.
EVERYONE forget all the other videos if you Chevy ignition tumbler is locked. This is by far the best video and I have spent hours watching dozens of videos!! I am grateful you took the time to share with us Andru. Thanks!!
Paul, glad this helped. This can be a really frustrating problem. Best of luck.
After being stuck for 2 days on a 2001 Silverado, I couldn't change the ignition lock without being able to turn the key, I found this video. It took me a few minutes to commit to breaking the plastic off. That was a leap! Anyway, Thanks! I was able to get the allen in there and turn the key. Then I was able to successfully put a new one in and fix my brothers truck. Thank you so much!
Hey how much was your new ignition and where did you get it thanks Dan from Texas
This absilutely worked! I did it on my 2001 GMC Silverado HD. To get it down to just the key hole and that little hole where you put the alen wrench in you gotta break the plastic shroud and a little metal ring off around the key hole. This absolutely works! Thank you for posting this video!
Had the ignition switch stuck in a work truck. This is the only thing on the internet that tells you this is how you fix it, even with it being 20+ years since the trucks were made. Amazing video, thanks for the help
Bro, i spent 2 days trying to get the cylinder out your vid. I done in 20 minutes. Thanks
YOU THE MAN! I have done so many pre 95 GM steering columns i can and have done them blind folded...A guy gave me a 95 suburban...'died while driving"...i borrow a friend, his truck and trailer, drove 30 miles to get it...get there and dude can't find the keys. Looked for an hour...locksmith? sunday in parker az..? pulled the covers off...GM seems to have tried to make it a bit harder to steal...needed to get back on the road....10 min with a chisel and 3lb sluggo and i had the wheel 'unlocked"...Got a used column...even the right color....for $30...they wanted a hun for one with a key...Out of a dozen vids you are the only guy who figured out the trick for no key...THANK YOU!
Glad it helped - TH-cam & the internet has given us a great opportunity to learn from other's struggles.
Thank you very much! for over a week I was trying different methods to get the cylinder to turn with no avail... This worked for a 2002 Chevy Suburban. I appreciate very much you having uploading this video.
Thanks for the feedback and glad it helped.
jaime a this worked for my 2004 Chevy Suburban!
If you had a tip jar... I was in in steering column limbo until watching your video. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Glad it helped!
Great job on this video fix! Those of us who need it really appreciate your efforts. God Bless you sir.
Glad it helped!
@@andruj3494 second thank you for getting straight to the point, Air chisel guy was a bit of a broken record
Just worked on a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. I had a Allen key that was almost the right size. I just hammered it in and presto! Thank you sir!
Hey dude. Thank you sooooooooo much for posting this. Mine was a bit more difficult then yours but none the less it worked. I had to really play around with it before it finally came free but it worked. Thank you.
For those that don’t know there’s a rectangular plate that sits in that whole and when the key goes in it is SUPPOSED to be able to push it in with a wire or object to turn the ignition. I had to put the truck in drive and turn the key all the way to that start position to get it to release.
Thanks again bro. Life saver
Glad you were able to get yours released and thanks for the additional info.
Thanks for the tip! Somebody tried to steal my Chevy van with a screwdriver and messed up the lock I used a small flat blade screwdriver in place of the Allen key and it worked perfectly.
Now to remove the cylinder. That's proving much harder.
There's a tiny hole on top of the entire unit that releases the cylinder. You'll see it once you remove the top and bottom plastic covers.
thank you soooo much for this help,been try to turn key for days, you should receive an award
I just did ;) thanks!
I just helped a friend with this lock cylinder problem, after getting switch to turn, removinging cylinder was not possible untill i turned the switch to crank position to get it to releasewhile depressing the spring loaded tab threw access hole at end of cylinder assembly,, thanks for great vidio, was big help
It's simple once you know how, but it took me a long time to get to the point where this was obvious.... Glad my experience could help you.
Last night, in the process of trying to steal my 02 GMC Sierra, they broke the front spring that pushes that lock bar back when the key is inserted. Needless to say, I was in bad shape. Couldn't turn the ignition in order to pull it out and replace it. I'd seen the videos you mentioned (mallet and the air chisel), and even tried a few other things to no avail. Your video saved the day. Fantastic job! Thanks!!
Glad it helped you out & glad it wasn't stolen!
Thank you!!! I saw the drop bar slot and wondered about it. Same exact thing happened to me with the rubber mallet. Your a life saver. Now I can get to work!
😀 you sir are a genius after messing with my same ignition lock on a 98 Cheyenne I did what you said and it worked finally got the stupid pop up bracket to go back down so the cylinder would rotate thank you for posting
You're very kind, glad this helped you - it can be a frustrating mess to be in.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! I work far from home this happened to me in the middle of nowhere and because of this info I got it to star! Great information 👍
You saved us tonight!!!! Thank you so much we did the same until we found this video you are an Angel thanks for your help do you have a Venmo we want to bless you
You saved me tonight. Thank you my 03 silverado could get me home after this.
Thank you! We did this for our 2004 Chevy Suburban! It worked! Thank you for saving me 100s!
Thanks, This method worked great! I used an awl and pushed it into the channel shown and was able to depress the lock bar and free the cylinder.
11/5/2017 appreciate your video, just got my tumbler out with your method, 2004 gmc sierra truck
That's great. Really glad the video helped!
Thank you. This should be the only video on this subject.
Best video.... saved my butt. I was thinking some reckless stuff. All I can say is thanks.
honestly you are a life saver I tried everything and it didn't work then I found this video and it worked thanks you so much
Thanks for letting me know. Glad it could help.
thank you so much it worked for me as well less than 2 mins. Wow just that simple God bless you for being a blessing!
Awesome Stan, glad it worked for you, thanks for the comment!
Wow, thank you. Saved me a tow and mechanic labor.
god bless you i fought for 3 days till i saw this video !!!
Glad it helped - it's simple once you know how - I even consulted a locksmith friend who didn't have an easy answer.
Thanks for the video. You were right about the specific size of the Allen wrench. This saved me big time. Thanks again
Adding myself to the rest of those who found this to be a successful method. 5/64" was the size that worked for me. My experience also included considerable wiggling and the appearance of some crumbs of an indeterminate origin.
THANX !!!!! i was in same situation trying everything for hours or wrestling with it i came across your video and a couple minutes i got it off !!! Keep making videos ver y helpful
I really appreciate u some dip shit was gonna charge me 175 to change it out because I could not get it to turn to take it off after watching your video I paid 35 bucks and did it my self in 3 mins flat god speed my friend god speed
You were going to get off easy at $175 - they wanted $250 to come to my home and fix. Glad this worked for you also!
Today I bought a 1999 suburban w/160k on the clock. I drove straight to the gas station, I had only driven 4 miles at this time. The guy told me the key was sticky and he started it for me, I’ve had other suburbans with slightly sticky ignition so this was no big deal. I was at the gas station for an hour trying to start it, the seller even came over and tried himself and couldn’t do it. It’s possible that this thing gave up the ghost today, but I have a suspicion it’s been a pain in his ass too. After a long day of waiting for a tow truck, getting it towed home and struggling to do so because the wheel was locked in the turned position. Needless to say, my wife was not happy so I went straight to the parts store in our other car and bought a new ignition lock cylinder and order to change it ASAP. Every video I watched said that it had to be in the start position which drove me nuts because I could not get mine there. Your video saved the day, thank you sir! 👏🏻🧐I owe you one!🍻
your idea work so great save me time and money. It worked on my 03 Chevy silverado also thank you
Awesome, glad it worked for you!
Thank you this video really helped You have to work with it for a while but it really does work
By far the most effective method for those who can't get the key tu turn while replacing the cylinder.
Thanks a lot, bud!😎👍
It worked! You’re a life saver
Worked on my 2003 Hummer H2. THANK YOU!!! Had to work the (5/64) wrench into the slot, and jiggle with the key and allen wrench a bit, but it did work and I got the rig home. Never go to PEPBOYS!
I won't say how long it's been since I've been to PepBoys, but not since I was a little kid going with my dad - we don't have them where I've spent most of my life :) --- Glad it worked for you.
You are the man for posting this
This shit worked beautifully, you sir are a lifesaver
Great video for stuck keys that dont turn
Thanks! Saved me alot of work.
It worked for our 03 Yukon 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
My truck doesn’t have this hole, someone tried to steal it and now the key won’t turn. Any suggestions? Chevy Suburban 2000
Worked perfectly! Saved me a fortune Thank you, thank you thank you!
Thanks for letting me know - it's good to know my pain can help others :)
just an FYI to anyone who's about to try this I just did this with a 5/64 allen key, so that size will work... it's a little tight but I got the truck started
Thank you so much!!!!! Did not want to drill it in!!! Life saver!!!
Jesus Gamboa hey bro how did you do it ? did you have to wiggle it or what ? I was able to put a Allen wrench and what size he said 3/64? I can't find that one lol
Jesus - I've drilled cylinders out before, it doesn't always go well. Glad it helped.
Sub Zero - I think this only works if you don't have other issues in the key itself causing it to bind up - did that end up being your problem? I'm not 100% sure on the allen wrench size, just try to get the drop bar to push up, but hopefully you got it to work by now.
Sub Zero Yes I had to wiggle it, and turned the key at the same time. Took a little bit but got it done!!!
Got the smallest allen wrench made.
This works, I used the back side of a drill bit cause I did t have the right size Allen wrench
Wish I saw this before I drilled it out hahaha
Yep. Works.
You saved my truck getting towed haha 😂
It works. Thank you
Thank you. Good video
This was great info. Worked great for me
Totally awesome! Thanks for watching.
You are genius sir thank you
Anyway to put an Allen key or something in that gap to push that pin back and leave it in? Say push it in measure it cut it off shove it back in
This solution worked for me with a Chevy Express 2000 and a swiss army knife awl
Worked for me! Thanks!
Hey man this video helped me so much thank you
Glad it helped. Thanks for the feedback.
How much force was used to put Allen key in
Thank you very much!
i was checking my fuses and after that my key would not turn. is there a fuse that my be the problem you think?
Just saw your comment. You've probably figured your problem out by now, but if for some reason you haven't post back a reply. On this Suburban (& other GM trucks) and at least up through 2004 this is purely mechanical, so a blown fuse wouldn't cause the key not to turn. On newer GM trucks I'm not sure. Look first for the most common problem for a key cylinder not turning - a locked steering wheel that's putting pressure on & binding up the cylinder. Crank the steering wheel hard if you need to to make sure there' s no pressure. If the key still won't turn then look for other issues.
Will this work if u don’t have the right key
Did you just push it in there or u have to tap it???? Bang it???? I'm crazy stuck i was thinking of drilling that
I had to work it a little bit to get the bar to push up, but not too much effort was required, no tapping, but if the bar is too far down to work the allen wrench under it you may need to push something sharp/pointed under it first to get it to move. Also, the key has to be in the ignition/cylinder for the bar to be able to move so this doesn't work without the key or if the key release portion of the cylinder is damaged.
Thank you
Thank you that helped a lot
Did he cut the front part of the lock cylinder to stick in the allen wrench
No, just break off the plastic cover and it's right there - as long as it's this same design, the older cylinders (where the cover has the 2 tabs) may be different though.
Life saver
You are a beauty. Thank you.
Glad to be of help. Thanks for watching.
What about if I lost my key...
This worked for me
HE SAYS 3/64th IS THE RIGHT SIZE ALLEN WRENCH
3/64??
Would this work if I do not have the key
You still need the key to get it to release unless you could somehow break the bar that drops down. If you look at videos showing guys drilling the column (like showing you how to steal one of these vehicles), that's what they're doing is drilling into the area where that bar comes down to essentially break it free from the cylinder.
Will this work with no key
Will it work if you lose the key to your truck?
90S problem ... hey GM when you going to fix this shit .
unfortunately, allen wrench didn't work for me, 1.5mm allen is too small, 2mm allen is too big, must be something in the middle but luckily, a small screwdriver did! Hurray!!
2003 Suburban.
This is the least destructive method of all the other methods that I've watched on TH-cam and it's the actual solution to the problem. I hope everyone else delete their videos and send everyone here for instructions.
see i can turn my key but it won’t turn all the way over to crank
I’m glad I watched this it save me some money thank you
You smart shit you😂👌🏽
Hah! Maybe you could tell my wife?
3/64??
there are 3\64 allen wrenches