I need to remove the ignition key tumbler in a Chinese steering column.  It should be easy, but I can't figure it out.

I was replacing the turn signal switch and the string broke that I was going to use to pull the new wire through the column.

If I can get the tumbler out, I can remove the top 5 inches of the column to fish a new string through.

Here us a picture -- I assume that slot is the key to pulling the tumbler out, but it does not seem to move in any direction.

Bill, typically the key cylinder needs to be turned to "Run" in order to push down on the tab that fits into the slot pictured. Have you tried turning the key while pushing the tab down? That's the only way I know that they work. Hard to see the details in the pic, tho...old eyes, ya know? lol

I tried pushing it, but don't remember if I turned the key to different positions first.  I'll try that in the morning.  Thanks!

That was it.  I couldn't get it, so I took it to my mechanic and he got it right out.

Now to try to fish the wires through the column.

Thanks!

Well, the important thing is it got done! I feel for ya having to fish those wires down thru the column....I HATE doing that!

In this column the in and out slots are on opposite sides of the column so with the steering shaft in the middle it was quite a challenge.  I finally took a piece of welding wire and pushed it through the one side and it magically twisted itself around the shaft and popped out the slot in the other side.

I ended up cutting off the leads back to the flat cable in order to get it to go through, so now I need to solder the eight leads back to the prongs to insert into the flat plug.

I had replaced the turn signal switch in the original non-tilt column and it was pretty easy because it was straight through, and there was enough room for the flat plug to go too.

If this column needs to be replaced, it will be by a brand name, made in USA, column -- they actually have customer support. . .