Ignition Cylinder Lock Probelm

[JWP]

Have a 2004 Aztec, couldn't turn it off, found the button under the steering to allow key to turn vehicle off, then the key wouldn't turn it on.

Replaced Ignition Switch, same problem, so I bought a new Ignition Cylinder.. Here's the current issue... I've take the steering wheel off and the plastic cover under the steeting wheel. But can't for the life of me figure out how to get the top cover off. The root of the problem is that on the left side of that top plastic cover the Wiper and Turn Signal control arm extends through that hole, on the right side, the key cylinder with the two "wings" and extended plastic of the cover itself dissallows me to try to persuade the plastic to strech over these "wings" to get the darn top cover off. Question, do I have to remove the Turn Signal control to get the top cover off?

How does one remove the Turn Signal Control Arm?

If I get this done (replacing the Ignition Cylinder) and I still have ignition switch/cylinder type problems where would you suggest me looking next?

 

[JWP]

Ok found the answer to the first question above. On the origainal there is a flange around the key entry on the cylinder that allow you to use your first finger and thumb to apply more pressure when starting the car.

That flange comes off the key cylinder... Once it comes off the plastic steering wheel column cover will pop off. From there you can see the hole in the top of the ignition area which will allow you to pop out the cylinder. You have to jiggle the key into run, accessory positions while appying pressue to the release pin in that hole (you can use a small wire to apply pressure). Once done the entire lock assembly comes out.

Next step... Looks like I have to remove the lock pins from the old tumbler and insert into the new....Will post back later.

 

[JWP]

AZTEK 2004 Ignition/Won't start/Stuck in Park

Ok found a bit more information today for anyone needing help in the future on this problem.

I most likely would not have had to replace the Ignition Switch or get new tumblers for the key cylinder because today after ripping out the plastic cowling around the shifter, so I could easily see everything there, I disconnected the plug at the bottom of the base of the shifter. Pulled it up so I could see it, and unwrapped the black taped wires, about 5 of them. To my surprize one of the wires was broke in two. This explained the sporadic behavior, of keys not coming out, shifter couldn't shift, sometimes keys worked sometime they didn't and finally in the end the car would not start.

Tomorrow I will replace the wires in the white plug (taking the pins out and getting new wires because at least one other wire was cracked.) I'll report back but this most certainly is the problem.