Help, I'm trying to get the bells to stop ringing in my ears... oh wait, they're in our new-to-us Tahoe.

Just bought an '02 LT, and the key was very hard to turn in the ignition. Had to sorta push down on the key when inserting/turning and then it would move. Figuring it was just sticky, I got out my trusty can of dry-graphite and that loosed it up a lot, but not completely.

Now it dings whenever the driver-door is opened, key or not. All other functions act normal (start, run, acc, etc), and the dinging will stop when the key is running like it's supposed to.

Does it sound like it just needs a new lock cylinder, or an entire switch? (my guess is this). How hard is it to replace the cylinder and/or switch? Is it a dealer-item-only or can I get it at local parts place?

Thanks in advance!

 

I am going to guess that if you replace the lock assembly you are going to have to get new keys or at least get your keys reprogrammed..
If you go messing with it, be sure to not have the key in the ignition if you disconnect the battery as I have heard some bad things happen if you have the key on and disconnect the battery.
Do disconnect the battery before messing with anything in the steering column and be mindful of any Yellow wires running to the air bag assembly in the horn button

 

Thanks for the reminder about disconnecting the battery. I've seen some of the videos on youtube/etc where people set off airbags on purpose.

Good point, I'm sure I'll have to get new keys too. Just want to eliminate the dinging all the time.

Can I just cut the wire that senses if the key is in the ignition with the key-off?

 

your original problem was a worn out key. see if you can remove the lock cylinder and clean the graphite out. I think the 02 had two metal contacts used to detect the key. You should see them when the cylinder is removed. They now are probably covered in graphite.
if you decide to get a new lock cylinder; have it coded to match your existing key code so all the locks match the one new key you should cut.

 

YIPPEEE! YAHOOOO!!!

At least I got the ding-y part of the problem solved. Thanks to you, tech2!

Soon's you said 'covered in graphite', I realized that it had to be all that graphite I'd blown in there causing the contact. And sure enough, after a few good squirts of electronic-cleaner and then some compressed air, it was fixed. No more dinging when the key is out.

As for the sticky-key issue, I think I'll wait to tackle it when I can work my way down the punch-list a few more pages.

Again, thanks!