Key will not turn to off position while vehicle is running

[wh7tkn7t]

So here's a fun one, it's a 2003 Tahoe Z71. I just got home from work, went to turn the key off, and it won't turn. It's currently sitting in my driveway running. Throwing a Hail Mary here and hoping somebody has a hack to get that key to turn. I'm hesitant to pull the power because I don't know if it'll turn to start again if I do.

 

[wjburken]

So here's a fun one, it's a 2003 Tahoe Z71. I just got home from work, went to turn the key off, and it won't turn. It's currently sitting in my driveway running. Throwing a Hail Mary here and hoping somebody has a hack to get that key to turn. I'm hesitant to pull the power because I don't know if it'll turn to start again if I do.

Make sure your shift lever is fully in park. Might try and “slam” it into park and see if that helps.

 

[wh7tkn7t]

That was the first thing I tried.

 

[wjburken]

Can you turn it from on to start?

 

[wjburken]

@PNW VietVet?

 

[wh7tkn7t]

It feels like it *might* be able to turn from on to start, of course I'm assuming these things will prevent the starter from engaging if the engine is already running so not 100% sure. I've tried going that way and it sure doesn't feel like it turns as far forward as it should.

 

[wh7tkn7t]

The plot thickens. It's apparently stuck IN the start position. I disconnected the battery and pulled the fuel pump relay to let it run out of gas thinking I'd just see if it'll start again since it's getting dark and starting to rain. Put the relay back, touched that battery cable to the terminal, and she cranked over as soon as it made contact. Anybody want to trade an otherwise nearly immaculate Z71 for a '60 something? ... I jest. I love this truck.

 

[Cbncanada]

It is most likely your ignition switch or the key tumbler assembly. I know the key assembly does wear out on those sometimes. When that happens it locks in what ever position it was in last.

 

[Rocket Man]

The good news is that the start position is where it needs to be in order to remove the cylinder. With battery disconnected obviously. There’s YT videos on it.

 

[wh7tkn7t]

That's a relief. I was wondering if I could get that thing out with the key stuck where it is. For now I'm enjoying the weather and drinking some Scotch about it. Tomorrow is a new day. Thank you all for all your input.