QuestionQUESTION: Okay heres the deal I have a 95 cutlass and had to replace the steering column I picked one up for 75 bucks and switched it out no problem but when I went to start it nothing!!! Everything on the column works so I called the junk yard and asked them if I had to have the computer reprogrammed he said no just use a battery charger, he said put the cables on the vehicle turn the key over and wait 15 mins then turn in back off and wait another 15 mins then attempt to start it if it doesn't start restart the process and he swore that it would work well i tried it 3 times and ended up with the same results NOTHING so I put the original column back in and now it doesn't work what should I do??
ANSWER: Brandon:
Sorry about your troubles. I need to know which column you are using and why you started this in the first place. Once i know this information, I can tell you what you need to do to remedy either column (different answers, depending on which column you are using)
I'll be available tonight to watch for you reply
Doug
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Well the reason I got a different column was there was a short somewhere in the turn signal handle that prevented my break lights from coming on but as to answer your question I'm not sure which column other then it's a column shift no radio controls on the steering wheel so i guess just a basic column just has tilt wheel and cruise control well I went and worked on it today and it fired back up but has the original column back in and my break lights still don't work so now I'm going to contact a locksmith Tommorow to see if he can read the chip off the original key and make me a new key for the new column with the old chip in it unless you have a better idea I was considering changing the ignitions out but once I removed the steering wheel that was a mess so I just put it back together thanks for your help
AnswerOK Brandon:
Thanks for the background. I just wanted to know which of the two columns were in the car right now. You said the original.
All you need to repair the brake light problem is a turn signal switch. You can take the one out of the used column or just buy a new one at Auto Zone for @ $40. If you take the steering wheel off, you then have to move the clockspring out of the way. Once you move that, there is a lock plate and then the turn signal switch is accessible.
If you don't want to do all that, swap the columns back, put the replacement column in the car and take both keys to a locksmith shop. Have them start with a new blank key with the same chip value as the original key. Then have them cut the blank key to the key cuts of the replacement column key. Now this new key will be able to turn in the lock of the replacement column and the chip value will match the original key so you car will start.
That's it.
Those are your 2 choices to finish this job
Good luck
Doug
