Hello everyone! I am the "proud" owner of a 312k mile 91 s10 blazer and the other day I hopped in to start her up and upon turning the key, heard a click and the tumbler went limp. Now forward to today... I bought a new tumbler/key setup and got the steering wheel off and just out of curiosity tried the old key and tumbler that I thought was shot and low and behold, its perfectly fine! So it appears that the issue is deeper down in the steering column, which I dont have tools on hand to tear apart at the moment. So I ask you, What could the most likely culprit be and what would be the easiest way of fixing it? New column, Toggle switches for starting, ect. Thanks everyone!

 

Sounds like it might have been a problem with the ignition switch itself. It is located on top of the steering column under the dash and is actuated by a rod that connects to the ignition key cylinder.

CLICK HERE for a schematic of the steering column that shows the ignition switch.

 

Thats kinda what I was thinking too after reading your Anatomy of the Ignition Switch post. Unfortuantely your link isnt working at the moment lol so I will try again tonight. Is the switch easily accesable or am I going to have to tear apart the whole column?

 

Ok just got back in from attempting the install and my dumb *** let the actuator rod fall out... What the hell do I do now and how do I get it back where its supposed to be?!?!?! HELP!!!

 

Dont be too self-critical. Apparently your problem is pretty rare..
First.. PATIENCE.

If the rod fell out by itself it can 'fall back in'.. given the patience factor.

OR

It's broke.. thus why it fell out.
Sorry, I did searches on both google site references and images
install s10 ign switch - Google Search
and just one thing that might be of use to you:

How to Replace the Ignition Switch in a 1992 S10 Chevy Truck | eHow.com


actuator rod in s10 ign switch - Google Search

 

Thanks fog... I am afraid its going to involve tearing down the whole column. Not fun... Im going back out in a little bit to try and get it figured out. What a P.I.T.A.!!!