Ignition Cylinder Lock Button

**CamaroDMD** · 05-17-2009, 08:28 AM

OK, so on my 2002 Camaro there is a little lock button on the ignition cylinder (I don't know if this is standard...my 1996 Camaro didn't have it). Anyway, it requires that I depress this button when I turn the car off to remove the key.

Anyway, The other day i noticed that when I turned the car off I didn't have to press the button...the key was able to just come out. It appears that the lock mechanism has broken. I don't really care about the lock, it was more of a pain anyway. But, what I wonder is...is this a sign that the cylinder itself is going bad. The last thing I want is to get stuck somewhere. Do these locks just break on their own and cause no other problem or should I be worried about an impending more serious issue?

Thanks.

**67CamaroRSSS** · 05-17-2009, 06:50 PM

The litlte lock dohickey is only used on M6 cars. I find myself looking for it when I drive the A4 and go to turn it off.

I don't know if it's a bad sign but I don't think it's a real good sign either.

***SMWS6TA*** · 05-18-2009, 08:37 AM

Sorry OP, don't want to thread jack, however I have a question for 67camarorss in his post.

What is the difference in M6 and A4 Trans Ams? and which are better?

***SMWS6TA*** · 05-18-2009, 08:46 AM

I think I have my answer and if I'm right, I will fill like such an Azz.

M6 = Manual 6 speed transmission
A4 = Automatic 4 speed transmission

Am I right?

If so i promise to slap myself latter...

**rbob93** · 05-18-2009, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

I think I have my answer and if I'm right, I will fill like such an Azz.

M6 = Manual 6 speed transmission
A4 = Automatic 4 speed transmission

Am I right?

If so i promise to slap myself latter...

Go slap yourself............

**67rsss** · 05-18-2009, 03:30 PM

Are you kidding?

**CamaroDMD** · 05-21-2009, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by 67CamaroRSSS

I don't know if it's a bad sign but I don't think it's a real good sign either.

This is kind of what I was thinking. I figure it shows that the cylinder is worn but what I'm hoping is the lock and the ignition itself aren't really related/dependent on each other.

**alittle1** · 05-22-2009, 07:56 AM

The ignition cylinder and locking dog are both made from white metal diecast. Diecast is subject to wearing. What you have done by not depressing the button fully is created abnormal wear on the tip of the locking/unlocking dog. Over the long run, your lock will still function as it was intended, but there is a possibility that it will jamb at some point in time. Have a locksmith replace the ignition lock with a OEM type keyed to your existing key.

**metalmechanic** · 05-29-2009, 11:02 PM

mine is kind of like that, when i turn the key off and push the bttonit wont pull out, so i shake the wheel a little or turn to on then off again, then pull out