Someone broke into my '89 RS, tried to take off with it, but couldn't- I think because of the computer chip(?) in the key. The piece of plastic above the tilt lever was pried off, and the car won't crank-the key turns almost to the "on" position. Anyone know if I can fix this myself/how much it would cost???
Thanks

 

Same thing happened to my bird. Just take it to a steering column place. About 300 bucks to fix.

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84 Camaro ZZ4 with HOT cam. 1.88 60' (12.98 @ 105MPH E.T.)
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91 Firebird 5.0L TBI

ASE Certified Auto Tech
LIVE AND DIE BY THE ALMIGHTY BOWTIE!

 

well, you could go to a column place for $300 or go to a salvage and get a whole column for $75 or less. the vats columns may be more, but its possible. obviously, wiring around the VATS is not a good idea in this situation

 

Yes...you will need to get a new steering column or have yours repaired. In the meantime, try tilting the wheel to various positions, and maybe turning your key a bit...you might get it to start so you can drive it.

By the way, I hear that non-tilt cars are slightly harder to steal, so if you're worried about this happening again, maybe get a non-tilt column.

 

Ray,

Been there. Once the would-be thieves trash the column, you might be pretty much screwed. If the rack gear is broken, you are screwed. GM makes plenty of repair parts for just such an occasion. A replacement column from the bone yard might be cheaper, but the amount of work will be the same if it doesn't have exactly the same options as your column does. Don't sweat the steering wheel, since you can probably install yours on the used column.

There are also a few companies that market a stainless steel band that bolts around the column bowl to deter such morons and posers.

After my roller skate was stolen, I got very sensitive to the frailty of the steering column. If you're not into the stainless band clamp, you could look into something different. I installed a different kind of deterrent on my T/A, and got a pretty good ($18.00) insurance discount for it:



It's pretty tough to drive off with a car with no steering wheel. They could trailer or tow it, but would most likely move on to the next unsuspecting future victim.

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Later,
Vader
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"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now"
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[This message has been edited by Vader (edited December 10, 2000).]