Pontiac Repair: Key ignition/tilt wheel, firebird pass key problem

Question
I have a 96 firebird and suddenly it won't start unless I put the tilt wheel ALL the way down. Same thing to shut it off. If I don't lower the tilt, the key feels like it's not hitting any tumblers. Once the car starts I can lift the wheel like normal, but I have to drop it again to shut it off. What the hell is that? LOL Thank you so much for your input. (I put a new clutch in this car and replaced the window motors, so I'm not a complete bafoon) Thanks again. JY

Answer
Hi Jerald:

Sounds to me like the wires in the steering column for the pass key security system have broken and when the column is in the ritght tilt position the wires make contact and then it will start. Not really a job for the do it your selfer because you have to remove the air bag from the steering column. I don't recommend that you tackle this type of job just because of that. The job it's really all that bad othet than that. you will ned to but a new lock cylinder and 2 new ignition keys and have them cut to the blank of the new cylinder and the pellet in the key to match the one that your car has right now. Good luck :)