Key not turning

[Mileswinger]

I have a 77 trans am and everything was working great then one day I can’t turn the key all the way I can turn on the battery and everything turns on so I couldn’t quite find out what the issue is so I pulled the steering wheel and figured I would take a look in the steering column because I had to replace the blinker assembly anyway and I can’t quite figure out how to take out the ignition cylinder any one have any suggestions

[Mileswinger]

Update so I got my ignition cylinder out and most of the steering column taken down so I should be able to turn the piece the cylinder connects to and engage the starter but when I put a wrench on it and turned it the rack wouldn't go down so I'm wondering if that means it's somthing related to the transmission Or should I keep taking apart the steering column to see if there's another problem

[roadking77]

There is a transmission lock out on the bottom of the column. That needs to be in the 'park' position for the key to turn all the way on. Sometimes you can simply twist the collar below the steering wheel and it will work. I dont think you needed to take the column apart. I wont be in the shop tonight but will be tomorrow. I can post a pic of the lever.

[b_hill_86]

Just as an FYI I THINK that is only the case on 79-81 columns. If his is original to his 77 it may not have that. My 77 happens to have a 79 column though so I can’t compare lol.

[Mileswinger]

I wasn’t that mad I had to take apart the Column anyway to replace the blinker assembly but I’m still a bit confused and could use that picture of the transmission lockout lever