Challenger ignition

[RoelB]

Need some advice please. A friend has a 71 Challenger, the key goes in up to a point, the bezel on the outside just turns.
Cannot get ignition to start position.
Now here in South Africa, if you call a locksmith they use a hammer and screw driver
I cannot remember from my E body days, but is it best to remove steering wheel and get covers off?. I cannot see another way to get to the ignition barrel, or am I missing something. Have the tumblers stripped or something?
Advice greatly appreciated on how to access the barrel.
Cheers all

[Dave999]

chances are

1) the steering lock is jammed, heave the steering 1 way or another as you turn the key might release it. usually happens if you park with a front wheel half into a curb. lock tab on column shaft jammed right into the In/out lock bolt on the igntion lock set up. flex steering the 1 way it will go to release.
2) the seetring lock actuator is jammed need to take lock out
3) the igntion switch internals keyed off the end of the lock by a cam have collapsed.... need to take lock out
4) the tumblers in the lock are no longer where they should be.. well you could try graphite. don't stick oil in it.

sorry can't get the attachemnets in the right order. once submitted even deleting and re submitting doesn't work
so i numbered them.

i think once the key is in, the collar with the tabs either side of the key is supposed to lock in alignment with the key, to provide leverage to turn the key. i.e reduces the likleyhood of snapped key

before that it is unlocked and turns a bit independnet of the lock barrel

i have 2 aussie locks, one which works and one which doesn't. On the "broken one" one it just spins a load of bits fell out, BUT both will allow the car to start

Dave

[Pete]

Dave999 to the rescue again!!!

[Blue]

Yep, steering wheel off and get the lock wheel off and you can access the switch and lock.

[Stu]

I can post pics of the manual later when I’m back if you need it? (Unless those are Challenger specific, Dave?)

[Dave999]

well that was the aim but can't account for genric moparness in the manual

and i don't know what a challenger lock looks like

Dave

[RoelB]

Thanks guys, we got it sorted today.
Really appreciate your advice, as always
Dave, you are a walking encyclopedia

[Stu]

[Pete]

I must confess to junking the Steering Lock on my (race car) Challenger, as I felt it was a safety hazard.

A friend of mine managed to put the Steering Lock on when driving his 1970 383 'Cuda, and he ended up in a field.... luckily no damage was sustained, but the use of a Range Rover and a tow Rope was required!