Several youtube videos, and researched threads later....

I liberally used electric contact cleaner/lube to "wash" the tumbler. I have 2 keys for the car; I appears to have been the frequently used key, the other virtually new. The "new" key seems to work marginally better. It requires a little finesse to initiate rotation but once past this it works fine. The tumbler still needs to come out- Current function is unacceptable.

I tried to proceed with removing the tumbler, but cannot remove the bottom cover of the steering column, in order to remove the chip antennae. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know.

I have extended the column fully forward, removed the screw, and tried to apply pressure on the housing and pull down as seen on a video, but it ain't coming off. Any greater effort along this path will lead to something breaking. If I can get this off, I think I should be able to proceed.

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Chief

2004 3.0 6 speed manual