GM How to Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder

[@stevemajerick]

Nice to see a vid by someone competent who isn't a hack. Thanks for posting and nice job!

[@blessedfamily3696]

Agreed

[@billyjack1962]

I want to thank you. You saved me a lot of time, and you saved my friend a lot of money. I had a outer casing ring over the clock ring though. Everything works fine, and I had it all done in 2 hours.

[@MrBobbyf1959]

I watched your video the other day and just finished the job on my 2001 Pontiac Formula Firehawk. You are correct that most of these columns are all the same under the steering wheel. However, there were a couple of tools you really need. You did mention snap ring pliers and a tool to press the locking plate down, plus the T25 and T20 bits. I made a tool to press the locking ring out of a flat bracket that you can pick up at Ace Hardware or your local big box store. Basically, the tool is in the shape a "U", with a hole drilled in the middle of the "U". It has to be big enough for the threaded part of the column to go through. Each leg should be measured, but mine were about 2.5 inches long. After measuring for the legs, I drilled out the hole and then applied the tool and used the nut to torque down the lock plate, taking tension off the spring that needs to be removed. That spring was a p.i.a. It was the hardest part of the entire job. Also with 98-01 firebirds, the emergency flasher switch needs to be removed. Its no big deal, a phillips head screw holds in the button. Also, you will need to remove two parts of the lower dash to access the other end of the wiring. Ok, once I removed the old wiring harness, I used a straightened out coat hanger to fish the new harness through the steering column. Feed the hanger through the top, carefully and slowly until it comes out the bottom. The other end, make a small loop and put the connector through the loop and then squeeze the loop closed so the connector wont come off. I thread it through the first time, reconnected and test-start the engine. Success! I had two keys made at my local Ace, but one is going back as it won't start the engine. The other fires it right up. Spend the money on snap ring pliers. I bought a Channel Lock set at Lowe's for 23.00 bucks. Its worth it. Make the lock ring press tool. You will need that. The video quality is not good, but the information given on how to do it is right on! Thanks again for sharing your video.

[@emogoose5943]

Double Au.

[@danmal94]

Thanks Erik, I used your help to change the ignition lock cylinder on my 92 Olds 98 and it works great! I'm 56 years old, my boys and I have learned so many things on You Tube that we would have had to pay a lot of money for. We appreciate you and the many others that have chosen to pass on your wisdom. Thanks again. God bless.

[@nlp2250]

This video is straight to the point and full of detail. Nice job!

[@JamesHastings2008]

Dude, this video was incredibly informative. Not a whole lot of fluff. Thanks!

[@jerrywa1234]

man this was helpful. especially the part about getting at the wires down below. thanks so much!

[@connorspurling2295]

At 8:38 when I was removing that piece in my car it came out in two pieces. I know that I broke it I'm just wondering if you could tell me what it's called. Thanks

[@ssgvern]

Any advice on the ignition actuator rod? The ignition cylinder was replaced on my 1999 Olds 88 due to one of the small wires being broken, but the initial problem was that with the key in the cylinder, I could not turn the ignition forward to "on". I pulled the ignition cylinder back out to verify that it was not faulty and it worked as advertised. A locksmith told me that it might be the actuator rod that pushes against the ignition switch. Your thoughts?

[@pouncerminned863]

great video! you forgot to mention the hazard switch on the right side of the column under the ignition lock! Its a small Philips no 1- if you don't unscrew it, the thing isn't going to come out

[@johnbritton7459]

What is the OEM color codes for the resitor wires on a 1995 Olds Cutlass Surpreme 3.1. I think the Purple an Pink are the ones. On the oppisit side of the harness block is Gray/Black then Gray. Thank-You for your time.

[@BRutAL42Zero]

Hey man this helped soooo much. My 91 Chevy Camaro's ignition lock cylinder broke, this vid is exactly what i was looking for to get to it to replace is. Thank you so much man, sybscribed.

[@MikeAttardYeah]

Erik, thanks for the video, but I'm really stuck at is around 11:40. I cannot get those connectors out. One came out with great effort, and the other broke away at the wire & connector. The connector is stuck in the gray thing (whatever it's called, not sure) and will not come out no matter how I push, pry, or pull. I even tried to grip it with needle nose pliers and yank it out and all I'm doing is butchering the gray thing. :(

[@danmal94]

MikeAttardYeah I used a push pin and got under the bottom part that was closest to the plastic. It poped right out.

[@Al-mp7fv]

what are the 2 little wires coming out of the back of the ignition, can they be cut and put together to work also. The dealer is telling me I don't have a VAT's on the key.

[@blessedfamily3696]

I've got an 02 Cadillac Escalade and my steering wheel is not locked and when I put my key in the ignition and will not turn I'm thinking it's because the steering wheel didn't lock when I shut it down I'm on about 10 or 15 degree incline back in so kind of backed up the inclined and when I shut it off I took the key out and didn't realize the steering wheel did not lock and now when I stick the key in it will not turn to start the vehicle any suggestions?

[@ludsat1]

Erik my 1995 olds ciera just the same setup my key lock cylinder I don't have the resistor key or wire but my issue is that the car keeps running even after turning it off and pulling the key. So I had too disco the battery and pull the ECM fuse just too shut it off do you think it is the ignition switch whole wiring assembly? because when you connect the battery back up all the dummy lights come on and chime like it is in the on position and they don't g o off and cant start the car

[@icantdrive5593]

Is that the original key we are getting the ohms off of?

[@chaseman94]

I have a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI would this help me replace my ignition switch since I've lost the original key and already started drilling into it?

[@87549406668686]

Perhaps you can help me on this one. Working on a 1988 GM column for a auto trans? I was hoping your video would show me where the switch or sensor was that only allows the ignition to start when the trans is in park. I have to wiggle the shifter while turning the key to get the starter to engage. Is this a matter of linkage and a switch at the transmission or something in the column or the actual column mounted switch or the plastic turn signal assembly under the steering wheel.

[@ErnieMinor65]

I have a 2003 Buick rendezvous appears to be having the same problem, would this require the same process? What would this cost to have a garage replace the ignition lock cylinder?

[@keithdobler7021]

ihad to drill out lock topok awhile.tomorrow goin to buy ignition and transponder key.can i program my self

[@_TheLazyInvestor]

I'm really late but that clip holding at 8:24 what is that for

[@davebruton5731]

Its December do us all a favor , blow your nose before or while making your videos ! I'm sitting here watching with tissue for my runny nose .thank you !

[@bradlee4048]

Great video bro.. So couldnt one just splice the broken wire back together or does the ignition have to be replaced like in the video?? ( getting ready to tear into my 93 deville column) thanx

[@dillonfiorillo534]

I have a 96 olds 88 lss and was wondering if I would have to do the same procedure?

[@Trapzilla42069]

Same here, yes it's the same

[@randy1ization]

where did u get the little pressure plate removal tool

[@nihilisticguy]

Hey I have a '97 Grand AM and you have to jump start it to get it to start, it runs great after it's started but when you pull the key out it leaves all the dashboard lights on and you can turn those lights on without the key (so I'm assuming you can start it without the key it just didn't have enough battery left). Is replacing the ignition cylinder the solution to this or do I need to do something else?

[@thechannelmomo]

Thanks brother. I had forgotten the order that the rings went in. Much appreciated!

[@jaxv94]

what do you call the orange sperry tool? and where can you buy one?

[@mator909]

Hey Erik man I have been working on my 89 Cadillac and I ran into a problem. When I'm trying to put the c ring back on the compression kit is not working because its on a tilt steering and keeps jus pulling up is there a special tool or something??

[@vandalgod1134]

I'm actually taking an ignition lock out of a 98 caddy deville. Here's my thing. I am to the point where I should be able to "push" the two connectors out of the plug, but they don't just push out, as you say. There appears to be a clip in each hole holding those connectors in. How does one get around that? Since you don't show the actual removal of the connectors in this video, I'm about half confused and don't want to break the plastic plug. I've pushed those connectors to the point of mental exhaustion.

[@robynmidgley2260]

Stuck at the same part you are. Anyone able to help?

[@Joeee4]

Thanks for the video! It helped a TON! I couldn't find my problem for the longest time, but this turned out to be my issue. I was wondering though, at 11:30 those two wires on my car are light blue, and green with a white stripe, and all the wires on my connector are different colors than then one you showed there.. I don't think I'm looking in the wrong place, but I just wanted to make sure that I don't take out the wrong wires.. but thank you so much for the video!

[@deenasty894]

how do I replace ignition switch not da cylinder is it da same process i just replaced my blinker switch a couple months ago when i turn my key all lights turn on but it won't crack at all it doesn't make no clicking noise or nothing

[@tonyab991]

got a 01 a 10 without key but have gmail key a sensor but it won't turn over.... I know I can beat the. cylinder out and start it that way and suggestions

[@Bravestar1217]

I'll betcha anything this was a 1994 Buick LeSabre. I'm doing the same car right now. I couldn't get the tool to push the ring down, so I had to make one with 2 Carriage bolts, 4 3/8"nuts and drilled 2 holes into a plate of steel about 2 inches by 2 inches that had a decent hole in the center already from Lowes, normally used for I think mounting porch lag bolts.

[@bryansalas3732]

I have a 96 camaro.. this cars steering wheel is locked, the shifter is locked, and the ign is stuck in the off position.. I was wondering if you think I should go ahead n pull the steering wheel or not.. one day this car was running good the next it was dead.. this thing is getting to my head can u point me in the right direction?? The horn would always sound before I got my new key.. but it still would sound now if I hadn't pulled the fuse.. any advice will help

[@fullautocare4403]

Man, I don't have a clue based on what you've told me. You know what I would do? I'd pull that steering wheel off...the answer is in there somewhere...sounds like the lock cylinder itself is broken (mechanically) if the key won't turn. The horn might be acting up because there's a horn mechanism in there as well. All in all, the answer is hiding behind the steering wheel for sure.

[@bobjon2282]

I need to replace my key Cylinder on my 89 vett with that G.M. Vats system.....Can I take the key to Ace even with that system??

[@cnkilts]

Thank you for this video. Just used it to help me change the ignition on a 1995 Chevy lumina.

[@luisferlopez100]

I have a question... I replaced the ignation cylinder ... and theirs the beeping noise when u have the door open and the the in the ignation cylinder....the beeping noise doesn't turn off only after I close the door... It still beeps after I have tool the key out... Please help!!

[@joeferguson2606]

dude, you are a man among men!...haha. one million thank you's

[@Gazooo29]

This wasn't my issue the car starts fine,but I can't turn the wheel left/right I can only drive forward/reverse. Not a clue on what the issue is. It's a 1998 and was planning to scrap it after winter but I still need to move the car.

[@HomeLoans411]

Eric, thanks for the video. Is there a way to make sure this is the problem? The reason I ask is that twice my 94 Olds 98 hasn't started and I was able to get it started by moving the shifter thinking it might be a neutral shifter switch problem. That no longer seems to work so in my search, I ran across your video. Is there a way to troubleshoot to know if the issue is what you describe and not something else? Thanks.

[@fullautocare4403]

It sounds like this is the problem. When you shifted it...it can move the broken wire enough to re-establish contact...when the wire is broken off all the way, it'll never turn on again until you fix it. There is a way to test this. -under the steering wheel...there is a wiring harness that has a huge plug on it. The wires for the key are two white wires (they are very thin)...put the key in, and test with a meter to see if you have any resistance...if you don't, the wire is broken up by the key just like in this video.

[@Cottonwood121]

Thanks for posting this. I just completed replacing the Ignition Cylinder in my Sister-in-Law's 1997 Bonneville. I'd like to add one bit of info. Once you've removed the Grey Connector that attaches to the Ignition Switch below the Dash, be sure to remove the Blue Clip that holds the Female Wire Connectors in place. Otherwise it'll be a bitch removing the 2 White Wires from the Connector. Ask me how I know. :) Awesome video. Thanks again for posting it.

[@bryancook1286]

you can put a resistor in the line much quicker than changing the cylinder i just did it two days ago in a 1996 bonneville

[@mikerogers331]

great video just one problem. how do you push the two wires out of the box thing?

[@mikerogers331]

11:44 in the video

[@fullautocare4403]

+Mike Rogers for car they come out opposite of how you think they would...you push them through, instead of trying to "unplug" them, push them and they come out the side that plugs in.

[@Imaging_X]

+Mike Rogers for car I think he didn't change cylinder, just pull some cable out in order to resolder broken one and put it again. For your answer there is a tool to relese connectors, look like a flat needle

[@robertgriffin5339]

Whatz the name of that tool. To push down the black part

[@deepfriedmoore9177]

Heather rank. On the a.c. problem your having. On my buick there is a cabin filter, actually 3 of them side by side.I'll bet ya a buck they are clogged full of dirt Check them and replace or just go with out.Good luck.

[@RossBoss90]

What is that little thing at 8:30 ?

[@codyjimenez6205]

Tenfold_Noobsauce hey did you ever find out what that is cause I snapped mine

[@kenlester2725]

well I just replaced lock cylinder on a 01 Lumina, and it didn't fix my problem. There is no tension when turning the key. I'm guessing that the problem is the part behind the lock cylinder, problem is nobody knows what this part is called. Ive called the dealership, oriely's, and napa, the dealership told me that it might be the ignition lock cylinder case. any ideas before i spend more money i don't have? fyi, lights work and i have power to everything, lock feels a little loose(no tension) and no click noise when trying to start, starter is good as well.

[@kenlester2725]

All good now, it was actually the part that connects the rod from the starter switch to the mechanism on the left side of the column. I can't remember what it's called

[@fullautocare4403]

sounds good. There's a way to fix it that requires no pulling of the steering wheel, just putting a resistor between a wire under the dash.

[@heatherrank435]

Hey Erik thanks so much for the video! Everything works great now, car finally started up again. I'm actually just curious if you have any insight into repairing air conditioning in the same car, 98 lesabre. The cooling system works perfectly fine except that it will not blow any air through the center vents inside the car. It blows through the vents on top by the windshield and below the dash but that's it.

[@fullautocare4403]

There is a door that is run on vacuum, the door changes positions to make the air come through the floor/vent/windshield. It could be broken...or there's a vacuum leak somewhere that's causing the door to stay in the defrost position. A 98 Lesabre also may have electronic climate controls...if it's buttons and not knobs that change the options, that panel could be to blame as well. It'll take some digging around to find out what is actually going on.

[@stevenvasallo2099]

Erik Wilson nice vid dude take care of that cold .

[@Forevermissingmyex]

can you tell me where you got the new ignition from because i can't find one i wish i could use a old ignition switch from another car it's a 94 - 95 Buick regale custom woods addition

[@danmal94]

James Rhodes I got my ignition switch from my local napa store.

[@AnnaSanchez123456789]

I got mine at rock auto

[@ianutube22]

You can get a used ignition but you'll need to give the dot printed code off the cylinder to a locksmith to have them make a key for it.

[@Blazem454]

I found this video very helpful brother thank you

[@joseph-cq9yv]

i have a 89 chevy camaro my security light goes off but my car cranks and wont start its getting fuel and spark im stumped...... somebody tryed to steal my car and i noticed the steering column is kinda loose now and since they tried to steal it i cant start it now it cranks has fuel and spark idk what to do

[@fullautocare4403]

If not the same, it should be very close. I know that the '91 Park Ave is the same, but I think the Lesabre was one year behind the body style change. GM has been using this same design for a very long time.

[@billybob7275]

I think you said you didn't have to turn the key to remove the cylinder.... my problem is that the key to my old 1997 Cutlass was lost. Now I don't see much choice except to replace the cylinder. Can this be done without a key to aid in removing it? I don't want to drill out the cylinder if I don't have to... I have already defeated the VATS system with resistors because of the broken wire.

[@jerrywa1234]

don't need the key to remove the switch. but you will have to have a coded key made.

[@aNuthaRedneck]

jerrywa1234 if it comes with a key that turns the switch I should be good... I've already eliminated the VATS by inserting resistors into the circuit

[@icemancometh8679]

I have a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am and I had to replace the steering column on it. When I got done replacing it with the new one I couldn't press the button to move the shifter on the center column. so now I think it might be the key cylinder but I really don't want to have to do that if it's something else so does anybody know what else I can try I've tried a couple other things but no luck.

[@JimTMcDaniels1]

I FIXED MINE-EASY: * try tapping the key in all the way with a hammer, try this first!* Thanks for the great video, but I found that I didn't need to replace the cylinder on my '96 century 101000 miles. My ignition cylinder would not unlock-turn and I sprayed wd 40 in to see if that would helped but no. I was about to start tearing it all apart to replace the cylinder because mine is the old design that does not have a simple release hole, but I took a hammer and found the key was sticking and not going in the last bit and the key worked and does now just fine! Hope this helps someone, paying it forward.

[@adamwadi3234]

HELLO my caprice 1995 after replace the ignition switch cylinder the radio only turn on with car running and before there was a switch postion for radio to turn on while the engine off how to fix this

[@toolkeeper]

Agreed! Great Fix! I would only add, 1. Get a Snap Ring pliers, and 2 Rent a steering wheel puller / pusher from your local auto store if you can. The job becomes much easier when you have the tools to do the job. As depicted in the video, overtime one of the wires for the ignition lock abrades and gets broken. Mine broken very close to the same place as in the video.

[@oliviamartinez5755]

what was the special tool that cost $10 used at 5:06 in the video called??

[@AClarino]

its called a "locking plate installer/remover"

[@oliviamartinez5755]

+AClarino thank you

[@dapper_gent]

a voight kampf tool

[@chaunteycorbittfranklinjr4447]

This video is helpful, but my ignition lock Cylinder turns freely when I stick my key in the ignition ?? Do I need a new one or is it something loose in the steering wheel, but to add to that my radio & my lights stay on & the car won't start, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO OR SEND ME A VIDEO ON WHAT I SHOULD OR SHOULDN'T DO,, PLEASE, PLEASE, SOMEONE HELP ME,, THANK,, YOU,,

[@devilmecare]

Does this include the 91 Buick skylark?

[@Sidelinebullies]

Do it have a switch on it on the back of the cylinder?

[@bass_and_things]

Is it possible to plug it in backwards

[@copeonek1mods663]

how much would they charge to fix this problem?

[@fullautocare4403]

It's a multimeter. You can buy a cheap one from Harbor Freight for like $6. The Sperry's are around $100-$200.

[@breanaolive]

Does anyone know what this tool is called? I am in the process of doing this. I got it out this fine, But putting it back together is hard. If someone could tell me what it's called and where to get one, that would be awesome!!!!

[@jeffrodiguez33]

The locking ring and e-clamp were a little hard top get off but you need two tools to get to the ignition.

[@Jagermanjenson]

You can usually get to the ignition switch lock cylinder by just removing the shroud behind the steering wheel. This car may not have had that option but 98% of the time you can access all ignition components by removing the shrouds covering the steering column. Might have to adjust the wheel position throughout the process but saves the hassle of disconnecting anything but the battery of course. Still a good video though! no dilly dallying with small talk etc.

[@fullautocare4403]

This one is a rare exception. You have to take all that stuff out of this car to get to the ignition. It's ridiculous. Thanks for watching

[@Bossrich6287]

I'm about to buy a '89 olds cutlass supreme,the guy has already taken the steering wheel off,he doesn't want to finish it ,I guess,i think this video will help.

[@victorm.estremera1352]

I just replaced the cylinder but i still have the same problem which is key cylinder will not turn to start car

[@brandongeorge141]

Is this the similar to an 85 camaro?

[@fullautocare4403]

I've had a few cars like that....I normally don't mess with it unless there's some other problems going on. I mean, who would know that they can start it with no key beside you?

[@fullautocare4403]

I think this one was a 1998 Lesabre. This car was identical from 1992-2000...even after and before those dates, the procedure is the same, just looks a little different

[@brezzy350z]

Wait so you got a new ignition... but still used the old key resistance.. I’m I correct ?

[@kainhall]

yup..... he went to the dealer.... (or hardware store that sells keys with chips in them) . and said "cut me a key with these teeth..... with a 680 ohm resistor, which is number 3"

[@whitebread8381]

man u kicked butt on that could this happen to an 03 buick century? please let me know thanks

[@TheFLGMan]

What a great video, very detailed and easy explained thx alot

[@xavierthomasson7321]

Reading on on for the own meter,?

[@fullautocare4403]

man, you can also put a resistor on that broken wire from below the dash by the brake pedal, and it'll bypass the alarm....guaranteed works every time.

[@fullautocare4403]

This one had a tilt wheel. It didn't move the whole time. There's got to be some smooth way of doing it...just takes some thinking time.

[@mecharenacorrupt1055]

in this particular case. skip all the way to where you get to the 2 orange wires under the dash. splice them and connect them to each other (toward the vehicle side). now your car will turn on. your welcome. p.s. I have a thought someone is going to say that doing so will make the car vulnerable to theft. I'm aware of that. this is incase you don't have the time or money yet to go through the entire process to remove all that.

[@marcellodiaz7918]

how would that fix the issue tho?

[@thomasgrasmick568]

5:20 just because that's where I left off at in taking apart my lesabre

[@psxgambler]

same for a 99 monte carlo?

[@thelienwien]

Its a lot easier to find those ignition wires under the dash and cut them. Then you measure the resistance across the key, buy some resistors at radio shack that you can combine in series to equal that resistance, and then attach one end of the resistors to each one of the wires you cut to complete the circuit. Done.

[@KarmaLikesFastBikes]

The Buick Dealership will make the key for like $15 I'm going to try doing this and hope it works

[@MikeAttardYeah]

***** My Buick dealership said it would be $40 per key. I'm checking for a locksmith who would do it for less.

[@danmal94]

***** I went to a lock smith in town that has been in business a long time. Made me new keys for 18.00 each.

[@jacquelinemonroe9170]

How to remove the clamp

[@fullautocare4403]

yes. It'll look a little different, but it's basically the exact same procedure.

[@glennfuller9341]

My truck Chevrolet silverado lignition key new work start 👍

[@BRutAL42Zero]

Also found out my wire broke aswell. Had push start for months lol.

[@Forevermissingmyex]

94 95 Buick Regale Custom Woods

[@shaky88888888]

1997 Firebird Formula... Great video Thank you

[@fullautocare4403]

I always put stuff down in the order that I took it off....I lay then down right to left so I always know what comes next. And Yes, I have had neighborhood kids playing around me and kick my pile...lol

[@michaelarmstrong3963]

Lol when you tried to check resistance with the ammeter

[@fullautocare4403]

It sounds like the cylinder is not behaving properly. I don't thing that would be caused by anything else.

[@reginiovalenzuela7577]

This was a great fix thanks a lot

[@keithdobler7021]

on 2000 mustang

[@joesashiify]

very helpful, thanks.

[@JonBoltinghouse]

cool video! anyone ever have trouble getting their stock steering wheel back on????

[@nihilisticguy]

Auto Zone said it's a lock plate puller.