I searched the forum and found several related threads but none that exactly matches my problem. The key won't turn. I had this problem once before and I somehow managed to jiggle it before ... not this time.

The ignition tumbler has a retaining pin. When the pin is pushed the tumbler should pull out. Not happening. The pin is stuck. I see the pin jiggle when I jiggle the key, but I can't push the pin in or out. I pushed really hard and jiggled and even tapped it with a hammer and punch ... no luck.

I had the whole thing out a month ago when I replaced the turn signal lever and it all looked fine. No corrosion or gunk. The retaining pin is on sort of leaf spring. It all looked like it was in perfect condition. I don't understand how it would fail unless something got shimmed in there.

Contemplating drilling the pin away and replacing the whole tumbler. Wish I didn't have to. Any suggestions?

 

the pin is designed to only be able to be pushed in when the key is turned to the on position. this is naturally intended to add difficulty for those who would steal the vehicle by removing the lock.
as a result of this, wiggle it around for all you can, and if you once manage to get the lock to turn, push that pin in, remove the lock cylinder, and replace the darn thing. they aren't that expensive.
if you can't get it to turn, then you'll need to drill in from the end where you insert the key. start by breaking off the handle part so you can have a relatively flat surface to work from. then get to work on it, careful not to break your drill bit. i like to drill a few small (3/16") holes around the sides, avoiding the keyway, then enlarging those holes as you go. attempting to directly drill into the keyway is a sure way to break your drill bit.

 

Why not drill away that pin, instead of the key side?

 

If you can successfully drill out a hardened steel pin that's free to spin and surrounded by aluminium that your drill will want to wander into, then you're more skilled than most. But you'll either have the pin spin with your drill or have your drill wander into the aluminum around it.