Ignition will not rotate after theft

[Lamoz]

Hello guys

I own a 05 Yukon XL and it was broken into. If you don't know these cars are a magnet for thieves as the lock cylinder can be pushed in with a screwdriver and then unlock the doors.
My radio was taken and I'm not sure why but my shifter lever broken. I have replaced the shifter lever
as is only held by a screw and the wires for the Tow button. My problem is that the ignition cylinder
does not rotate. When I put the key in my battery light comes on. My shifter can be moved from park to reverse and neutral but that's it. I don't think they tried to steal the truck since the ignition and covers for the column were intact. What throws me is the key being inserted and the battery light coming on (battery is fully charged ). I cannot rotate it and I'm wondering if this has anything to do with the anti theft system.
Anyone has had this issue or know how to fix it?

Thanks in advance

 

[Danny3737]

Have you tried to turn your steering wheel a little bit to the right or left while you turn the key?

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon. Sounds like you are going to have to replace the lock cylinder and key and will need a teardown unless you can work that tumbler out. Check you tube for videos of that. May even have to get a locksmith or shop tech if you lack the mechanical know how.



We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


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[PNWYukon]

The lock cylinder is pretty fragile, try to remove it and see if some pieces are broken. A new one is pretty cheap at RockAuto

 

[Rocket Man]

I had a similar issue when thieves did the same except they jammed a screwdriver into the cylinder and tried to turn it. You have to get that cylinder to turn or else it won’t come out, check out YouTube videos on the cylinder removal. I’m thinking the shift interlock isn’t working since they broke the shifter. There might be something broken in the shift mechanism.

 

[PNWYukon]

Ignition Switch Replacement

• Tools Required
• J 42759 Ignition Switch Connector Release Tool

Removal Procedure

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure.
2. Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in Service Precautions.

Disable the SIR system.

1. Remove the hush and knee bolster.
2. Remove the steering column trim covers.
3. With the key installed, turn the key to the RUN position.
4. Install an allen wrench into the hole on top of the lock cylinder housing. Push down on the allen wrench to release the tab on the lock cylinder inside the lock cylinder housing.
5. Slide the lock cylinder out of the lock cylinder housing.
6. Disconnect the PASSLOCK and key buzzer from the lock cylinder housing.
7. Insert J 42759 into the lock cylinder housing to release the tabs on the ignition switch.
8. Pull the ignition switch out of the lock cylinder housing.
9. Disconnect the connector from the ignition switch.

 

[Doubeleive]

like Mark said probably broke the shift interlock, when they yanked on the shifter to get the trim panel off to get to the radio they probably broke the interlock.

 

[Rocket Man]

Ignition Switch Replacement

• Tools Required
• J 42759 Ignition Switch Connector Release Tool

Removal Procedure

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure.
2. Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in Service Precautions.

Disable the SIR system.

1. Remove the hush and knee bolster.
2. Remove the steering column trim covers.
3. With the key installed, turn the key to the RUN position.
4. Install an allen wrench into the hole on top of the lock cylinder housing. Push down on the allen wrench to release the tab on the lock cylinder inside the lock cylinder housing.
5. Slide the lock cylinder out of the lock cylinder housing.
6. Disconnect the PASSLOCK and key buzzer from the lock cylinder housing.
7. Insert J 42759 into the lock cylinder housing to release the tabs on the ignition switch.
8. Pull the ignition switch out of the lock cylinder housing.
9. Disconnect the connector from the ignition switch.

View attachment 253644


View attachment 253645

My problem after the thieves messed up the cylinder was I couldn’t get it to turn at first so I couldn’t get it in the run position so I couldn’t remove it to replace. I finally used a big ass pair of Vice Grips and got it to go. The tumblers were all messed up so even with the key in, it wouldn’t turn without a lot of force. I figured I didn’t have anything to lose because the only other way was to replace the column. Just glad I got it.

 

[exp500]

Maybe it's easier to go to Upullit for a new column, then all the other little broken parts can be had also. Lock cylinder an easy fix back to your original key.

 

[Lamoz]

Ok issue has been fixed temporarily.
As some of you suggested the shift interlock was bent and prevented the key from turning.
Thank you for all the help and replies