ignition switch removal?

Here are the instructions in the diagrams below to help you change out the ignition switch. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

For a few years my car hasn’t let me pull the key out of the ignition unless I push the shifter up (further into park). After pushing the shifter the car always released my key. Last night I used a valet, didn’t think to tell him about the trick with the shifter and I suspect that when the key stuck he forced it out by pulling really hard.

Now the key doesn’t turn on in the ignition unless I spend up to five minutes trying to force it to turn. I can turn the car off without any problems. Has anyone had this problem and is there anything I can do to fix it?

First, the linkage needed adjusted for it to come out easily. However, it is hard to tell now. I would try to lubericate the tumbler to see if that helps. If it doesn't, the tumbler is most likely damaged and will need replaced.

Interior problem
1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Suddenly unable to turn it. Day before my daughter was using a newer key and had problems turning the switch. Gave her my old one, and switch stayed lucked up. Lubricated switch, jiggled the key inside the switch. No dice. Any pointers?

Since you have already tried the easiest solution you should read on about this common issue on our Car Repair Troubleshooting webpage, linked below.


https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/why_wont_my_ignition_switch_turn.htm




Let me know if you need further assistance..





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My car is stuck in the on position and will not turn to the off switch. I can pull my key out of the ignition switch but the key want turn so I can cut my car off. My brake and air bags light is on. What am i to do.

Your ignition switch is equipped with a park lockout system to prevent locking the steering wheel if the vehicle is not in Park. Some use an electric solenoid to do this and some use a cable connected to the shifter.

Now, if you have forced the key out when it wasn't in the lock position, you have broken the ignition switch now so the column is going to have to be opened up for inspection and the ignition switch likely replaced along with whatever the lockout problem turns out to be.

I cannot turn my key to start the car. i have tried every thing from holding on the brake to the wheel.

Try to wiggle the steering wheel left to right while trying to turn the key. That usually works.

Electrical problem
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I left to enter a store put the car in park and everything like normal.

I come out to my car and the key will not turn to start the engine. I had AAA out there as well we turned the wheel to the left and tried, we turned the wheel to the right and tried, we tried to shift but could not. Please help as a locksmith said I would have to take my dash off and the repair would be $1300.

Thank you.

Hi:
If the tumbler has failed, the only thing you can do is replace it. NOTE: I would recommend getting another quote. The amout quoted, 1300.00, seems extreamly high.

I got a new key made at a GM dealership and this did not work as well.

So it is the tumbler? What price range should I be looking at for repair?

Thank you.

Hi AGAIN:

I can't imagian that it should be more than 3 to 5 hundred. Now keep in mind, I live in PA and our labor rates may be lower than what you are used to, but 1300. sounds crazy. Also, because your vehicle has a security system, I would recommend having the work done by a GM dealer. There are different processes that one must go through to make the system accept the new security signal. I suggest calling a dealer and having them quote you a price. Let them know you are looking for the best price so they are more competitive.

If I find anything different out, I'll let you know. Also, please let me know what a dealer wants to fix it. If I'm way off, I need to know. I hope I've helped you in some way.

Joe

So you are 100% pointing to the tummber? I think it is this as well. I have heard of people spraying wd-40 or lithium grease in there to lossen them up. The problem is I was using a spare for the past 4-5 days before this happened. Thank you for your help. It would have been one thing if I locked my keys in my car but I didnt and my keys will just not work.

Thank you.

Hi: I hate to say 100%, but that is what I believe the problem is. Keep in mind I'm not there (which makes me nervous to say 100% to anything).

Let me know what you find.

Good luck, Joe

Electrical problem
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive

the ignition lock cylinder will not turn. it seems to be "locked" up? what is the problem? how do i make the repair?

I would first remove the door panel to make sure the linkage isn't jammed. If it is fine, then the tumbler is most likely bad and needs replaced. You could try a lubericant to see if that helps first.

My key is stuck in the ignition and the ignition won't turn all the way back to where my key will be released. What can i do to get my ignition to turn back all the way?

Hi:
It sounds like something broke in the tumbler. If that is the case and you can't force it to turn, it will most likely need replaced.

Ignition problem
1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 3.1L 6 Cylinder Front Wheel Drive Automatic 167000 miles

The key cylinder has no springing action/resistance. It just flops around and doesn't crank the engine.

I noticed when I look at the side of the steering column facing the door and turn the key I see a little rod move back and forth I'm assuming its part of the ignition switch rack.

Part of that rod is broken, so it doesn't pull on the bottom half that is connected to a cable that runs down the rest of the steering column where I'm assuming its connected to the starter/starter switch.

I have the steering wheel pulled as I originally thought it was the cylinder and key that needed to be replaced.

I don't see how the ignition switch rack really comes apart though.

Was wondering at this point if it would be easier/cheaper for me to try replacing the rack or just unbolt the whole steering column and replace it with one from the junkyard.

My father seems to think replacing the whole steering column is the way to go, but I've already got the column in the car tore down to the ignition switch rack.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and I'll try to see if I have anything for a donation if the answer reaps benefit.

to replace the ignition switch assembly the entire steering column has to be removed anyway...so replacing column or replacing just the switch is up to you, either way column is coming out. would you like replacement steps for your steering column?

1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl Automatic

key is stuck in the on position in the ignition how do i fix it

If the key won't turn, either the tumbler is bad or the ignition switch in the steering column is bad. All you can do is remove the steering wheel and start working your way down checking each as you go.

replaced ignition switch and now tumbler wont turn

Did you replace the ignition lock cylinder, or the electrical ignition switch. If it was just the lock cylinder, there should have been a code key provided, the matches the coding of the cylinder. It sounds like a key issue. If you replaced the ignition switch(electrical) on the lower column, and the cylinder won't turn, something was assembled incorrectly.

I am replacing the ignition switch and there is a metal rod attached to the front side of the switch.(not the rod that runs to the key module) What is it and how do I remove it from the switch/bracket?

I am trying to replace the ignition switch because I had lost my key. I got as far as taking off the steering wheel and renting a steel plate remover that was not needed. I still cant figure out how to take the metal casing off the steering wheel coulomb. Help?

Hello,

Need more info on vehicle... What Cutlass is it Supreme Ciera also is it tilt steering and is it floor shift or column shift. Also could you take and post pic looking into the steering column.

You shouldn't have to take the metal casing off looking down into the column after taking wheel off there should be a retaining screw that has to be removed to remove the Lock cylinder.

How can i get my ignition switch that is stuck on the on position to turn back to the off position?

Try spraying some WD-40 into the keyhole the best you can and move the key as much as possible to work in the light oil. Once key is out, spray more oil into switch and work it in and out with the key until you can replace the switch.




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I need some help. I went out to my car today and tried to start it. The key will not turn all the way into the starting position, (the position that you hold while it engages the starter). It will turn back ward to the accessories position and forward to the point where power is on to everything but beyond that it won't budge.

I double checked to make sure that the gear shift was all the way in park.

Please help me! I need to get to college!

Thanks in advance,
Samantha

First try taking pressure off the lock, then turn the key. IF you pull either clockwise or counter clockwise a little on the steering wheel, the pressure will be taken of the steeing lock....If you are lucky.

IF not, try another key. Try bringing the key stronger up or down while turning or jiggling the key.

Still if not you likley need a lock cylinder.

When I turn the key forward once the steering wheel unlocks so that is not the problem, and I have tried a different key and jiggling the key. so it must be like you said . Need a new cylinder, is this something I could do myself? If not do you know the average price I would be charged?

I'm sure what skills or tool you have, but it is deep enough into the steering column that you'll have to remove the T/S switch to get to it.

The key will have to be coded. I would guess it is a couple hundred to replace.

Electrical problem
1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

how do i change the ignition switch on my car?

This is an extremely difficult and lengthy procedure. You must remove the steering column from the vehicle and disassemble major portions of it. Because the column is collapsible in an accident, it is necessary that it be handled with care to avoid distortion of major parts. It must not be dropped, hammered on or even leaned on, or vitally important parts may deform. The procedure for replacing the ignition switch on tilt type columns is not included here because it involves substantial additional work and the use of several expensive special tools. Unless you are rather experienced, we recommend that the job be left to a competent professional mechanic.

1.Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the clamp bolt from the steering coupling at the lower end of the steering column shaft (located near the steering box, under the hood).
2.Disconnect the shift linkage from the shift tube lever at the lower end of the column.
3.Remove the steering wheel with a puller, as described above.
4.Remove the left sound insulator and lower column cover.
5.Remove the trim cap or lower trim panel from the instrument panel, depending on equipment.
6.Remove the steering column cover and toe-pan attaching screws. Remove the shift indicator needle from the shift bowl.
7.Securely support the column in position and remove the two nuts attaching the column to the underside of the instrument panel.
8.Lower the column carefully, being careful to retain any spacers that may have been used in order. Disconnect the wiring. Then, carefully remove the column from the inside of the vehicle.
9.Begin disassembling the column, removing the lock plate, canceling cam, and turn signal switch.
10.Remove the ignition lock and key warning switch as described below.
11.Remove the spring and bolt assembly, and the associated thrust washer. Then, remove the rack preload spring, switch rack, and actuator assembly.
12.Remove the upper shift lever spring. Then, remove the gear shift lever bowl.
13.Remove the shift bowl shroud and bowl lower bearing.
14.Unhook and remove the dimmer switch actuating rod. Remove the attaching nut and remove the dimmer switch.
15.Remove the attaching screw and stud and remove the ignition switch, disassembling the actuating rod from the hole in the sliding actuator.



To install:

16.Move the ignition switch sliding actuator all the way to the left (ACC) position. Then, move it two detents (OFF-UNLOCK) position to the right.
17.Then, position the actuating rod hole in the sliding actuator, and install the ignition switch, stud, and mounting screw.
18.Install the dimmer switch with its attaching nut tightened only loosely. Then, depress the switch slightly until you can insert a 3 / 32 in. drill through the hole in the switch housing and slider. Force the switch upward to remove any lash and tighten the mounting screw with the switch in this position.
19.Put the shifter in NEUTRAL and install the shift lever.
20.Install the shift bowl shroud and bowl lower bearing.
21.Install the rack preload spring, switch rack, and actuator assembly. Install the spring and bolt assembly, and the associated thrust washer.
22.Install the ignition lock and key warning switch as described below.
23.Reinstall the column into the vehicle. Make sure when assembling the lower and upper dash covers that they can slide on the column. If the bracket which mounts the column to the dash has been removed, install the bolts in this order:
A.Left rear
B.Left front
C.Right front
D.Right rear




Tighten the bolts just snug to avoid distorting the column.

24.Install the switch connector to the ignition switch. Then, position the column in the body and support it there. Install the lockwashers and nuts for the coupling and tighten them. Then, loosely assemble the nuts fastening the mounting bracket for the column to the lower side of the instrument panel.
25.Position the lower cover to the firewall and ensure that the cover is lined up by starting the left lower screw. Then, install and tighten the right lower screw. Then, tighten the left lower screw. Finally, install and tighten the two screws that fit into the top of the cover.
26.Tighten first the screw for the left side of the cover clamp; then tighten the screw for the right side of the cover clamp. Finally, install and tighten the remaining cover screws.
27.Finally, tighten the nuts fastening the column to the underside of the dash. Reinstall the bolt for the steering coupling clamp.
28.Install the lock plate, canceling cam, and turn signal switch
29.Connect the wiring.
30.Securely support the column in position and install the two nuts attaching the column to the underside of the instrument panel.
31.Install the shift indicator needle from the shift bowl. Install the steering column cover and toe-pan attaching screws.
32.Install the trim cap or lower trim panel to the instrument panel, depending on equipment.
33.Install the left sound insulator and lower column cover.
34.Install the steering wheel, as described above.
35.Connect the shift linkage to the shift tube lever at the lower end of the column.
36.Install the clamp bolt to the steering coupling at the lower end of the steering column shaft (located near the steering box, under the hood).
37.Connect the negative battery cable and check all column operations for free movement and smooth operation.