CR-V RE6 ignition lock or steering lock problem

Hi Community!

I have a problem with my 2012 RE6.

Situation: Sunday evening, I parked the car without any issues, turned off the engine, removed the key from the ignition, locked the car (?), and that's it. The next morning, I got in (believing the remote was open, so I don’t remember if it was actually locked) — inserted the key into the ignition, and, lo and behold, it no longer went in easily, and I couldn’t push it all the way in. I grabbed some WD-40, sprayed a bit, and after several attempts back and forth, I managed to get it all the way in, though not without resistance—still no force used, but it wasn’t smooth either.

BUT: I couldn’t turn the key. I tried a few times, then gave up because I needed to go to work with a backup car.

After some research, I found out that the lock cylinder or the wafers could be worn out after 13 years, which isn’t that uncommon.

Further searching led me to an English-language solution: remove the cylinder and install a new one.

So, I ordered a new one, and after a week, I received it and installed it. HOWEVER: I still can’t turn the lock — this time, it’s obviously related to the steering lock, as I can turn the lock without any problem.

Now I’ve tried turning the internal shaft with a screwdriver without the lock, but nothing moves. Could it be due to the long lever on the cylinder that might disengage the steering lock? Because that doesn’t work either.

Is there anything else I should consider during reassembly? I don’t want to replace the entire unit, especially since it’s secured with breakaway screws, which makes disassembly quite complicated—and costly when buying new parts.

Do you have any ideas or experiences regarding this?

I’m also starting to wonder if the car wasn’t really locked, and there’s a possibility that someone may have fiddled with it overnight. But then again, wouldn’t there be some visible signs on the lock?

Thanks a lot in advance, and have a great weekend!

-C-