Ignition Lock: Testing and Inspection
IGNITION SWITCHMECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE)
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor mounted shifter: a cable is used to connect the interlock device in the steering column assembly, to the transmission floor shift lever. This interlock system is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key cylinder is rotated to any position. If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from any position, it may not be the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column components. The brake transmission shift interlock cable may be out of adjustment. The interlock system within the steering column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and a floor mounted shifter: on certain models, a button is located on the steering column behind the ignition key cylinder. The button must be manually depressed to allow rotation of the ignition key cylinder to any position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to any position, the lever mechanism may be defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.