1999 accord key doesn't turn over ignition

[dn53]

Hi i have an issue with a 99 accord where the key wont turn the ignition over. The key seems like it turns almost to accessory on position but stops (accessories aren't on). The key can come out easily. i've wiggled the shit out of it and it/shimmied the steering wheel but hasn't helped. This is my friends car and im trying to help him, heres what i've tried:

off the bat i assumed the steering was locked but it isnt.
I released the shift lock and shifted the car from P to D and back, no luck
Rolled the car and attempted to start,
tried banging on the ignition.

my friend said 2 weeks prior he would have to wiggle the key to pull it out. He does have an aftermarket alarm but i'd figure it would atleast let him crank the key and not start if that was the issue (the alarm works fine). I'm going to guess its an issue with the ignition, but what could it be exactly? I dont want to pull the trigger and buy an ignition system just yet, would like to hear others advice.

Thanks in advance.

[godwin]

broken tumbler.

[dn53]

is it as simple as rebuilding an ignition as a technician or is this more work of a locksmith? What are my options?

[godwin]

You should be able to order the tumbler as a unit from the dealer. That's one of the reason why you don't hang lots of heavy crap on the car keys.

[Phil@rise]

If its a tumbler the dealer and even Beck Arnley (available from lordco) makes them.

[Puck Luck]

i'm not sure if i understand what the problem or symptoms are.
Is it...the key will turn to the accessory position, but not ignition nor start? The ignition turns on but won't crank? Or is the key stuck in the ignition and won't come out?

[dn53]

Sorry let me explain again.

The key turns to about halfway to accessory (it doesnt actually reach it) and stops. So no, i cant crank it. The key also slides in and out of the ignition fine, but two weeks prior to this his key had a hard time sliding out.

I'm gonna go see the dealer and lordco for quotes and ill keep you guys posted

EDIT:

I just watched a video of installing new tumblers-- apparently you need to be able to turn the key to accessory to pull the lock cylinder out to get to the tumblers. What can i do in this case since my key doesn't seem to turn.

[Puck Luck]

some ignition locks are easier than others to disassemble. 99 accord is not one of the easier ones.
There's all kinds of things attached to the lock, such as immobilizer reciever, interlock, key in reminder switch etc. And thats the easy stuff. ONce you get that stuff off, then you can start disassembley.
You'll need some fine tools like a very thin roll pin punch to remove the lock cyl body to get to the tumblers. There's all kinds of tiny little parts, (aside from the tumblers) to remove. Small springs, tiny levers, roll pins etc.
There was a recall on 98-99 accords regarding the ignition locks. Had to disassemble some of them, and replace some of the tiny parts deep in the lock area. Depending on how progressed the problem was, not all of them needed to be disasembled. Was not a fun job and warrenty only paid .9 hours. Took me over an hour. i don't think i even had all the right tiny tools so i had to make do with what i could scrounge up.
My advise, take the lock out of the car but then bring it to a lock smith. Wish them luck. Worse case, you have to replace the ignition lock assembley. If you are down to that, i would still suggest bringing it to a lock smith to recode

i don't think the instructions are in the accord shop manual on how to disasemble. But the recall sent to dealers included step by step instructions on how to disasemble. about a dozen pages...not fun, especially if you don't have the proper fine tools