Topic: ignition woes

[77TRANS-AM400]

I need some help please. I can't seem to figure out what has happened.

My ignition cylinder when I bought this car a few weeks ago never worked properly, it never went back to the locked position.

I just rebuilt the engine and went to put the shifter linkage back in place when I heard an out of place "click"

Didn't think anything of it at the time

Get back in the car, ready to turn it over and fire up the new engine....but now the key cylinder is in the lock position and I can't get it out of the lock position.....WTF !!!  I have no power to nothing because I can't turn the key at all.

Anyone got any ideas on what I can look for before I rip the column apart ??

I could use the key before I heard the click even though it never went to the lock position when I got it. now I can't get the key out of the lock position....help

[RENOVATIONS]

Can you rotate the back of the column (next to the dash) to unlock the ignition?
I'd say to trace your steps backward since you say you just connected the linkage when the problem occurred.

[77TRANS-AM400]

I will try that later this evening....thank you

[77TRANS-AM400]

Does it need to move much? Will it be easy to move?
Please forgive my ignorance but I really have no idea...this is something I've never had to play with before

[RENOVATIONS]

What linkage did you connect? ...to electrical switch (at base of column) or from column to transmission (under car)

[77TRANS-AM400]

From the column to the transmission...

I'm pretty sure that the link tab on the column in the engine compartment, is not in the right position. I think the car thinks it's still in gear which is why I can't turn the key.

[77TRANS-AM400]

so I had nothing work yesterday...the column and the linkage I've had no luck with. The rotating collar in by the dash only moves about a half inch either way and the neutral safety switch has been removed and reinstalled. The link on the bottom of the column in the engine compartment barely moves...might be my problem...maybe
I have started taking the steering column apart and hopefully I'll figure out my problem tonight
thank you for your suggestions....and I will gladly accept more if you have any

[77TRANS-AM400]

Thank you to RENOVATIONS.....
his suggestions were awesome and I am way more knowledgeable now because of him.
But after an extensive search and fumbling....it was the key tumbler itself in the column. it would not turn at all. Got a new one and it works great

thank you