NON-3rd GEN, 96 Cavalier Key Cylinder Problem, please help
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Bloomington, MN
NON-3rd GEN, 96 Cavalier Key Cylinder Problem, please help
Okay, thanks for reading into this off topic post. The car will turn into the on position with out any problems, turn it to the start and it will start some times, other times, nothing. When I spoke with GM and several other people they said it is the key cylinder. I guess this would make sense. The more complex question is how do you get it out... thanks guys!
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Tucson, AZ
Car: 1991 Z-28
Engine: Can you say stroke?!?!
Transmission: 700-r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
First you will need to unplug the battery. Then you'll need to remove the steering wheel. Now it probably has an air bag so be VERY CAREFULL, unless you want your face plastered to the back window. Once the steering wheel has been removed there will be a plate that you will need a special tool to remove. You can rent one for about $10 at autozone, checker, etc or buy it for the same amount. Once the plate is removed, you may need to unscrew the turn signal cams and pull them out of the way. Once that is done there will be one screw holding the lock in place. Remove it and the cylinder pulls right out. Installation is the reverse order. Thats all that I can rememeber without actually looking at the book so I've probably missed something so correct me if I'm wrong.
Hope that's what you were looking for. Good Luck.
Hope that's what you were looking for. Good Luck.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 254
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From: Bloomington, MN
Humm, when I talked to the mech he made it sound quite a bit easier. There was a hidden pin is what he was talking about. Something like I put the key in the on position and with a flate blade driver (from the front side where the key goes in) I can compress this pin and the lock mechinisum will slide out. Does this sound right?
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No, CraZ pretty much described it.
The only thing I would add is that a Flatbalded screwdriver and a little muscle Can replace the 10$ tool In a pinch
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60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Sport Coupe LG4 - Daily Driver 14.82 @ 91.1
Reader's ride -> My Ride
Just another Hot Rod kid, or thats what they all tell me.
Livin' the Stereotype
The only thing I would add is that a Flatbalded screwdriver and a little muscle Can replace the 10$ tool In a pinch
------------------
60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Sport Coupe LG4 - Daily Driver 14.82 @ 91.1
Reader's ride -> My Ride
Just another Hot Rod kid, or thats what they all tell me.
Livin' the Stereotype
TGO Supporter
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,811
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From: Jackson County
some cavilers have a problem with the shifter not going into park all the way and not starting. might want to look into that also.
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ICON Motorsports
1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM
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ICON Motorsports
1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Lubbock, TX USA
Copy and paste from service manual, its for a 98 which is the oldest I can look up from home 
Not sure if the release button is on the top of the column or the bottom. You may need to have the lock cylinder coded to your current key, since yours probably opens the door and works as the ignition key also.
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-Joseph
ASE Master Auto Technician
Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet
Sunset RaceCraft
AOL IM: JosephSDSC
1967 Camaro (5.7L, Vortec Heads, ZZ4 Camshaft, GM Vortec Intake)
1992 Firebird (5.7L, Vortec Heads, LT4 Hot Cam, GM Vortec Intake, 3000 Stall, 3.73's, Auburn Posi)
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Disable the supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
Remove the steering column shrouds. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement - On Vehicle
Turn the ignition lock cylinder (1) to the RUN position.
Push the locking button (2) on the rear of the housing assembly (1).
Remove the ignition lock cylinder by pulling outward from the steering column.
Disconnect the electrical connector (3) from the ignition lock cylinder (1).
Connect the electrical connector (3) to the ignition lock cylinder (1).
Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the housing assembly (1) while rotating the key approximately 5 degrees counter - clockwise.
Install the steering column shrouds. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement - On Vehicle .
Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
Connect the negative battery cable.
</font>
Disable the supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
Remove the steering column shrouds. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement - On Vehicle
Turn the ignition lock cylinder (1) to the RUN position.
Push the locking button (2) on the rear of the housing assembly (1).
Remove the ignition lock cylinder by pulling outward from the steering column.
Disconnect the electrical connector (3) from the ignition lock cylinder (1).
Connect the electrical connector (3) to the ignition lock cylinder (1).
Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the housing assembly (1) while rotating the key approximately 5 degrees counter - clockwise.
Install the steering column shrouds. Refer to Steering Column Trim Cover Replacement - On Vehicle .
Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.
Connect the negative battery cable.
</font>
Not sure if the release button is on the top of the column or the bottom. You may need to have the lock cylinder coded to your current key, since yours probably opens the door and works as the ignition key also.
------------------
-Joseph
ASE Master Auto Technician
Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet
Sunset RaceCraft
AOL IM: JosephSDSC
1967 Camaro (5.7L, Vortec Heads, ZZ4 Camshaft, GM Vortec Intake)
1992 Firebird (5.7L, Vortec Heads, LT4 Hot Cam, GM Vortec Intake, 3000 Stall, 3.73's, Auburn Posi)
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 254
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From: Bloomington, MN
Hey thanks much, I didn't have to pull off the wheel, there is a besel around the colum that comes off, then that pin as desribed above.. Now my only problem is there is a electrical box sitting on top of the lock and the connector is way in the dash. Uggg, effort! Thanks guys!
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