My VATS lock cylinder caused me to be towed yesterday. Now I have it bypassed with the proper value resistor But I want to fix it right.

Did anyone change a VATS lock cylinder?
Does it come with keys? or does it need to be keyed? Can I have it keyed to my existing keys? How do the wires connect to the lock cylinder?

Is the lock cylinder a bitch to change? I have a a wheel puller and colun tools, but the service manual makes it seem like the cylinder is pretty far down past a bunch of other stuff.

Did anyone ever do this before?
thx
Larry
in NY (who wants VATS working)

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89 Formula
96 Impala SS

 

Larry,

It's no more difficult than changing the "standard" ignition cylinder, but you'll have to but the part through your dealer or a locksmith because of the variations in the key blanks. You must get a key that is matched to the VATS on your car.

If the cylinder is functioning mechanically but is not making good electrical contact with the key, try cleaning the VATS contacts in the cylinder with swabs and alcohol.

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Later,
Vader
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"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

How do you get those two wires on the cylinder loose?

 

The wires on my 91 Bird with VATS lock cylinder were about 3 inches long and had a connector on them. So follow the wires down about 3 in and you should see a connector you can unconnect.

 

Check your 'pill' first. I had a pic posted a couple years ago of a new one vs. and old one. They will cause problems.

 

 

Any chance ya might have that pic? I have 300 HP lying dormant with no steering wheel in it, hee hee. I can use all the help I can get.