My brother's truck starts w/o key in the ignition.

[FastOrange]

you need a new lock cylinder, they are under $30, i upgraded to a chrome one, you will need a steering wheel puller and a lock plate tool, where the video uses snap ring pliers, i use a small screwdriver and a needle nose.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14sGPdiB250

 

[volunteerff21]

The chrome one was actually $2 cheaper at O'Reilly's when I did it. Go figure

 

[Yeti_Owner]

The chrome one was actually $2 cheaper at O'Reilly's when I did it. Go figure

Lol - Autozone had both, I went with black. It was $13 dollars...

 

[95chev]

My truck will do that if you dont turn the ignition back to lock position, I can pull the key out while driving down the road haha comes in handy sometimes if want to leave the truck running but need my keys for something

 

[97PROSHOZ71]

I wish mine did that. I'll have to try it, it'd be nice to leave it running in the winter without the key in the ignition. Some of the new diesel trucks do it too.


Sent from my Vortec Powered iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[95chev]

I wish mine did that. I'll have to try it, it'd be nice to leave it running in the winter without the key in the ignition. Some of the new diesel trucks do it too.


Sent from my Vortec Powered iPhone using Tapatalk

Haha yah its great, it does it cause my key is so worn out

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Yes if your truck is 94-back it's easier. 95-up is the airbag column unless you have a 8600gvw or larger truck, they require some different tools.

 

[HawkDsl]

Like others have said, not a big job.. just time to dig down to it. When your key is more gold in color then silver, your getting close to change out time. I had planned to pull the column and close the hole up, and install a push button start in the ash trey. Glad I didn't though.. One of those ideas that sounds good when your young.

 

[Onizukachan]

My granddads 78 would do that back in 94-98. Just take the key out and use it to unlock the gate, drive thru, lock it back then stick the key back in.
warm and happy memories.

as someone said, not very uncommon on GM columns at allfor the cylinders to wear out,

 

[any4xx]

In my quest to resurrect my new-to-me ‘95 I discovered that the protrusion on the lock cylinder that keeps it from turning without a key only sticks out about 1mm when the key is out. Luckily (?) someone had taken vise grips to mine a few years ago in an attempt to steal the truck, damaging both the lock cylinder and the housing. So now both are new and working properly.

After having mine apart I’d say this symptom would just as likely need a new housing as a new lock cylinder to repair it.