I turned the key backwards to play music and heard a loud pop. now to start the car the key turns as it normally does but when to turn in the run position the key gives alot of resistance before getting the car to crank. car still starts, no security lights. what does it sound like happened? can this leave me stranded if not replaced or fixed?

 

when you turn the key all the way forward to start your actually pushing a rod that activates a switch further down the column. sounds kinda like that rod fell out of place or something. id be a little worried, you know the one time it decides it doesnt want to start is when your on the sketchiest rd in your area at 3am and the crazies come out to get ya



im thinking this is whats broken or out of place

 

when i turned it backwards then i heard the noise. I thought it was electric???

 

nope mechanical

 

what is that? a plastic part? that holds the cylinder?



whats involved to get the cylinder out? does the wheel and airbag have to come out?

 

my bad that has nothing to do with the ignition. i just remembered when i had to replace my cylinder it fell out, its for the turn/brights switch. forget about that.

 

is there a how to to get to the ignition switch?

 

ill look for you

so i couldnt find a good how too but its pretty easy youll need a steering wheel puller.

-unhook the battery for at least 20 min before starting this
-pull the bag
-unbolt the wheel and remove with tool
-pull the airbag cam out of the way (be careful with this)
-next you need to remove the wheel lock plate, its spring loaded. while pushing on it theres a snap ring that needs to come out
-than youll see the turnsignal cam (there should be some screws holding that in) remove that
-and than theres a screw that holds they cylinder in place, with the key in the ignition remove that screw and jiggle the key while pulling the cylinder out

its been like 3 years since i did this and this is all off memory so there might be more involved. heres a complete blowup of the column for reference.
http://www.shbox.com/1/steering_column_exploded.jpg

 

thanks, ill check it out and let you know back whats the story dude