2001 Buick Century locked steering wheel and ignition

2001 BUICK CENTURY

92,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

FLAH0125

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I have a 2001 Buick Century with a PASS theft prevention ignition. The car was turned off in drive and the key pulled out. It was put back in and drove after that. Now no key will turn the ignition and the stering is locked. The mechanic at the dealer says it cost $490.00 to repair in a hour and a half. Is this how they work and is there anyway to return it to the working condition for cheaper? How do you remove airbags without setting them off? Someone said jump them?
Ron

Sep 24, 2009 at 10:25 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Ron:
I will assume that he told you the tumbler is bad. Most likely when you removed it in gear, something was damaged. However, one would think it wouldn't have come out.

Here is the problem. With the anti-theft systems in these cars, the computer needs to be reprogramed to accept the new tumbler and key and dealers are the only ones that have the proper equipment to do it. I hate to say it, but you will most likely have to have them do it. You may want to call a different dealer to see if they have a lower labor rate.

AS far as the air bag, you need to disconnect the battery for a minimum of 10 minutes to disarm and kill everything. I usually let them sit overnight.

Sep 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM