I think my ignition lock is broken. The key is stuck in the on position. It will not go back to the off position. Ive messed with it for quite a while and it wont go back. So I found a replacement for like $20. The thing is, my hanes manual says that it has to be in the lock position to remove it from the steering column. So how should I get this key back to the lock position to remove/replace. I mean instinct tells me to just grab some pliers and force it back. However I do not want to break anything else. Very confused :\

-Thanks,
-Glen

 

At least you have a Haynes manual! I still have to guess what's what.

(pdf by any chance? I'd love to get my hands on that!)

I have the same problem since last friday, however my lock does still move, except it won't start anymore. I posted a thread on that just below this one.

Can't you just see how far you can get with the lock in this position?

 

There is a downloadable PDF in the FAQ. It's free.

I would just start by taking the thing apart and see what you can do. It's real easy. I did mine on the side of the road. You need the security torx bit though. $5 for a whole set of security bits at ORielley's. I wouldn't go forcing it, because I believe there is plastic parts in there where it fits into the electronic part. Good luck.

 

Offcourse, I completely overlooked the faq's. Downloaded it right away... I'm gonna see what I can find later on.

 

Its most likely a fallen pin, the key moves a set of cylinders upwards when it is inserted. These create a nice, flat line for the ignition to spin, if one of them slips, it can jam. Unfortunately, depending on which one it is, this may be impossible to fix without simply destroying it. Try wiggling it violently up and down while pulling to the off position, odds are this wont work, but it is worth a shot before wasting money.
If this fails, and you are going to replace it anyways, and have the part, or a working vehicle to get you to a working part, go with the pliers. It will destroy it, but it will allow you to remove the ignition switch and replace it. Be careful, if you have a walmart copied key in there, these suck and are very fragile. I tried to open a zip tie with my walmart copied key, and it snapped in two. Be sure you have a spare, or a quality key in there before you take pliers to it, as it could break. If it does, hope there is enough room for a screwdriver to fit in, and twist it with this.
Basically, it sounds like you are going to have to destroy the ignition switch, and maybe the key, in order to fix it.
Wait a while, and see if there are any other ideas in case i am overlooking something, but it sounds like this is the best route to me.