QuestionQUESTION: My business was broken into a number of vehicles were stolen. Most were recovered without damages or keys. I had keys made from the original lock codes. One truck, a 1990's Silverado, the key fit and opened the doors but will not turn in the ignition. I assume it is the correct key since it opens the door. Should I order a new ignition switch/tumbler or have a locksmith come out and try to pick the tumbler and make a key that will fit? I don't see any visible damage from the exterior of the lock.
Thanks you for any help you can offer.
Dave
ANSWER: Hi Dave:
Sorry about your trucks. In 1990, the door key and the ignition key were different keys. They used to use a round headed key for the door and a rectangular headed key for the ignition. They also had different slots on the sides of the keys so they wouldn't even fit into the other lock. See if you can come up with the 'other key code' for the ignition, otherwise it may be cheapest just to have the lock cylinder replaced in the column.
We have recently uploaded some videos on our company website to give you first hand viewing of how to remove, disassemble, and reassemble the tilt column you are talking about. They are broken down into step by step 2-3 minute detailed videos with instructions.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php
I hope these videos help you. If not, please contact me again for more information.
Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply locate the part and you can purchase it directly through the shopping cart. We stock just about everything you would need to repair your car properly.
Good luck
Doug
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com
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QUESTION: Doug,
Thank you for the quick response. I apologize for providing incomplete info. The truck is a 1998, I said 90's thinking they were all very similar. The key slides right into the ignition switch, it just won't turn. The truck does NOT have a tilt steering wheel, but does have air bags and there is a plastic housing surrounding the column, shift lever and turn signal lever. I have removed the bottom piece, but cannot figure out how to get the top section loose. It appears to be held in place by the "ring with ears"(sorry, don't know the correct part name) surrounding the ignition key. They also stole the battery, cutting the wire to the electrical panel in the process. I have installed a temporary battery because I thought that might be interlocked in some way to the ignition switch. I haven't corrected the wore to the panel yet, but held it in contact with the battery terminal to test and see if the key would turn. It would not. Will I need to pull the steering wheel to replace the ignition switch? Is there any danger of the air bag being deployed during this work?
Thanks again for your time, I really appreciate it!
AnswerHi Dave:
OK, that's a little different, no problem. But please read all of this answer before you proceed!
The upper cover has at least one screw holding it in place a(possibly 2) and believe it or not the lock cylinder needs to come off to overcome the lock cylinder bezel you described. That's the proper way to remove the upper cover. Here are 2 web pages that tell you how to do that.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/gmcyl.php
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/gmmulti.php
Regarding the wires, airbag and potential for danger (damage), the steering wheel and airbag should come off to make the cover removal easier. The multifuinction switch (with the red 4 way button on it) is exceptionally fragile and only costs about $275 if you break it trying to get the lock out or the cover off. Once you get to the lock, you still have to damage it to remove it and then buy a new one and have it coded to your key...so...
...with that said, I would call a locksmith to recreate the correct key rather than going through all of this effort. It will be cheaper and easier.
Doug
