QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I recently had my key break inside of the ignition cylinder and am going to replace it. I have done all the steps necessary to reach the ignition cylinder, but cannot take it out. I cannot tell if the hex bolts around it must come off (they seem to not be holding the cylinder at all, and cannot access them too well). I've tried looking at the new cylinder and making my judgment about what's keeping it in place. I've pushed some spring pop outs from the cylinder hoping it'll slide out then, but it doesn't. In the new cylinder i noticed that when the key is inserted, a spring pop out sticks out and cannot be pushed in, and am drawing a conclusion that it might be the issue, since there is a piece of key stuck inside.
I hope this makes sense, and look forward to any help or ideas that will keep me away from calling a locksmith.
Thanks in advance.
-Joseph
GM lock cylinder
ANSWER: Hi Joseph:
If you've gotten down to the bowl and see the 4 5/16 head hex bolts, the only thing left to do is push the release bar that secures the lock in place. On the older models, the casting is not punched through until you punch it through, so you cannot see where you need to press.
I'm enclosing a drawing that shows you where you are going to break through.
Look at the new lock cylinder and determine the distance from the side where the release bar is. Then you are going to take a flat blade screwdriver, set it in the slot and then smack it with your palm. It's a thin layer of casting and should break easily.
Good luck
Doug
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QUESTION: Doug,
Thank you so much for your quick response and attachment. I went back to the truck and tried to do what you said, being cautious still. Do I actually have to break thru the casting where the hex bolts are? I did see a space that would make sense if its broken into, but really seemed like strong material, next to the spot I believe you're talking about is a deep hole where a flat screwdriver fits nicely, is that it? Or, should I try the original place again and hit it harder? Also, will it affect the new cylinder when I slide it in?
I'm attaching a picture of my actual steering wheel.
Again thanks soooo much!
Jw
Ps. I couldn't attach
ANSWER: Hi Joseph:
I didn't get the picture, but the answer is yes, break through where it looks like you should. It's very thin and doesn't take much. Again, line up the new cylinder and punch through where it should be. then slide the old lock out and slit the new one in. the locking bar will protrude enough to retain the lock in position, until you depress it again if you need to take the new one out.
If you want to send a picture, send it through my company email
info@stolenandrecovered.com
Doug
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
78 gmc
QUESTION: Doug,
Attached is the bowl of the steering wheel. It is exactly what I see. Hopefully this feel clear things up. I dont want to apply force on the wrong spot.
thanks!!
JW
Answer
older gm lock cover an
Joe:
I need you to email me at my company email info@stolenandrecovered.com. Then I can post more than 1 picture in the reply email and provide you yet more instructions. Also, take the same picture but from another angle. You have shadowed the area you need to punch through.
Here is a picture of the replacement bowl with the notch already punched out if that helps you
