Steering Column Repair: Ignition switch in 1994 Buick Century, gm vehicles, buick century

Question
The key broke in half for our 94 Buick Century, and the bottom half was lost. We had a copy made from the VIN number at the local dealership. It will go in and make the "ding", but it won't turn. We returned to the dealership and had them "trim" it, but it still doesn't work. What now? We cannot afford a locksmith. How hard is it to pull the old switch out? What else can we try? Is there a drawing online for us to look at and follow?

Answer
Hi Martha:

Sorry about your situation.  The ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced and yes, it's fairly tricky.
We have recently uploaded pages and a description of how to replace the lock cylinder on GM vehicles.  They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions. Here is a link to that page.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/howto/gmcyl.php
Lastly, I would have a new lock cylinder in hand before you begin, to accomplish finishing this job quickly.

Good luck
Doug

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com