Hey gang. I'm attempting to remove my igntion cylinder and replace with a new one. I've reviewed various forums and it seems pretty straight forward. But i've hit a snag and I'm hoping someone can help.

I got the Lockplate tool and with a little finess was able to remove that small ring, lockplate, and yellow connector thing. I also remove all of the screws holding the turn signal assembly in place (including the one for the hazard switch). I can see the two large hex bolts holding the ignition in place. Thing is, I can't get to one of them (bottom right). As you can see in the pics, this turn singal assembly just doesn't give me enough clearance on the right side to get my ratchet in there. And I can't figure out where else to move it, nor can I figure out how to actually just take it out. The pics show you exactly where I'm able to move it without literally forcing it and potentially breaking it. Any suggestions on how I can get past this assembly easier?

P.S. I know I can probably look into buying a new (thinner) ratchet, but for one bolt, I'd like to avoid that expense if I can.

 

hey there when i change my cylinder i just pulled on the wiring harness a lil more at the bottom of the tilt colum or just use a smaller one piece tool insted of the socket kind in the pic goodluck !

 

Just disconnect the turn signal wires at the base of the column. It's a flat connector that's held by a clip. Once disconnected, you'll have just enough slack to pull the signal assembly out and over the steering shaft. You may have to align it so the connector pulls up into the column a bit. BE CAREFUL! If you pull it too far you wont be able to pull the wires back out unless you have a string or something attached to it beforehand.

If I read your post correctly, you said there are two bolts to remove the lock cylinder. There should only be one. It will be the one closest to the lock. There is a slight indent in the cylinder assembly that the bolt fits into. Once removed, the lock will pull right out.

 

Thanks guys. I was able to get it apart with your help. And you're right wrench - it was only one screw (black). I got confused when I saw those two larger bolts. One would think, with the ignition being such an important piece of security that GM would use the LARGE bolts to hold it in place. THANKS AGAIN!