1999 silverado ignition won't turn

Hello everyody! I have a 99 silverado and ignition won't turn with key or spare key. Took it to mechanic and says my 99 has a chip in the key and thus has to change out whole steering column and not just ignition. Wants to charge me $600.:banghead: has anybody had experience with this? Is this legit? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

He's giving you a load of BS, or has no idea what he's doing. I'm 99.999% sure there is no chip in the key, and 100% sure that it would turn even if there was. All a chip would do is keep it from starting. You may want to try having a key cut from the VIN, sometimes that will let you start it... otherwise it sure sounds like the lock cylinder is bad. Even if the new key lets you start it, replace the lock cylinder anyway, the tumblers get worn and the new key will stop working very soon. I changed a lock cylinder out once, all you have to do at the end is a passkey relearn. I used a Tech-2 to do it, but if it's like GM cars you try to start it, release the key to "on", leave it there for 10 min until the security light goes out, turn the key to "off" for 5 seconds, turn it back to "on" (don't try to start it this time or next time), wait 10 min, turn "off", wait 5 sec, turn "on" wait 10 min, turn "off", wait 5 sec, then start it up. The hardest part by far was getting the lock cylinder out without being able to turn it, and I forgot how exactly I did it... it's been a while.

Thank you for the input J-Ri...I don't think my key has a chip either can't you see the chips on the key, besides the spare key i have is all metal no chip!:headshake

turn your steering wheel, if there is any pressure on the lock it will be hard to turn.