6yr old pulled key out of ignition while not in normal off position. Now i am unable to get key back into ignition. Any solutions? Key goes about half way in. Steering wheel is not locked

 

Steering wheel doesn't have a lock. If the key isn't in the lock position and can be turned to the run position, the cylinder can be removed and repaired or replaced depending on how bad it is. It needs to be turnable to get it apart.

 

I was unable to look at it today. I was unable to turn the ignition yesterday. If i remove the shroud should i be able to get it in run position without the key in ignition

 

That depends on where it is now. If the ignition cylinder is in the lock position, the key is needed to turn it. If it is in accessory or run, then you should be able to turn it with a flat blade screw driver. The ignition cylinder needs to be in the run position to remove it. Take off the covers and there is a release button on the bottom of it.

 

unable to turn with flat screwdriver. i couldnt get the release button to do anything. small square it moved while trying to insert key but apparently i couldn't depress it deep enough to engage it.

 

Is there a different "release" button? Anything else to try? Would drilling out the lock be the only option? I tried to get the van into neutral to see if that would help, no luck there.

 

No, you're going to need a punch and a hammer on that release tab. It will eventually fall out. Just don't mess up the housing that the cylinder fits into.

 

punch it back into the cylinder? then it will fall out? after that key should go back into ignition and work?

 

i have been out hammering with a punch this morning no luck. It seems to be going farther in, more than falling out. Should i hammer harder to get it to fall out. I don't want to damage anything. Should the ignition work after doing this? or will I need to replace it afterwards?

 

If it has factory theft you need to be certain to address that before running it. IT gets expensive when the theft system kicks in.