My 92 es300 is afflicted by the stiff/stuck ignition cylinder problem I've read about a number of times here and elsewhere.

I've decided to pull the cylinder and get it to a locksmith before it gives up entirely. I've got a service manual and I'm following the directions, but where the diagram depicts the "lock pin" there is a circular depression in the casting, but it doesnt seem to budge at all when I push on it with the ignition in the ACC position.

Has anyone removed the lock cylinder successfully? The service manual depicts it with the whole ignition assembly removed from the car, is that necessary?

Thanks all, when I get it done I intend to write it up.

 

Any input on this? The key refused to turn this morning so I'm faced with solving this one way or another. Still can't see my way clear on how to remove it.

 

Finally got the cylinder out, that's the good news. The bad news is that the existing cylinder can not be repaired by any of my local locksmiths, so I have to wait til tuesday to get a new one locally.

I'll provide more detail later.

 

So, I ordered a new ignition cylinder Monday, it arrived Tuesday. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line the keys which came with it were lost.

Soooo I returned it and waited for the next available one to arrive Thursday. After installing the new cylinder, I was bummed to find that it was STILL locked up!!

There's lots more to the story, but I just got it all back together and working so I'm tired, and I'ma call it a night. Expect updates here later. :-)