Help - Key will not insert into the ignition switch

[Sammy]

I just got this 87' Silverado R10 here in Michigan in December, right from the trailer to the garage and a car cover. Nice day today decided to uncover and take a ride. I didn't mean to turn the steering wheel to lock, but it happened, now I cannot get the key inserted into the ignition switch. I've tried working the steering wheel back and forth. I have the steering wheel off and I can push the rod in to turn the wheel past the cutouts on the piece under the cover plate but I cannot get the key to insert.

 

[Camar068]

key won't go in? I'd say that's going to be the key switch itself. If you can get it in but can't turn it, then that's a different scenario.

 

[Sammy]

Thank you for the reply, but yeah it won't go in at all. IDK what happened. It started fine before and I didn't mean to turn the wheel and lock it. I had a 64' Chevelle before this so I had forgotten all about that locking feature from the 80's. I was at sea 95% of the 80's anyway. Thanks again, Sam

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Some silicone spray in the switch and jiggle the key and the switch. I'd make sure you have the switch rotated all the way to its park position. If it's not the switch will lock the key in until it's all the way parked. So I imagine it won't let you insert it either.

 

[edgephoto]

Your steering wheel lock has nothing to do with the key being inserted. That is the ignition lock cylinder, the ignition switch is at the base of the column.

Are you sure you are trying the correct key? These old girls had the square key for the ignition and a round one for the doors.

Spray some penetrating oil into the lock cylinder and push the key in and out until it goes in all the way. The tumblers in the cylinder may be stuck.