my key is stuck in the on position it will not turn off. car starts and runs fine just the key will not turn off. is this my igntion switch or something broke in the steering column? i have to disconnect battery to turn the car off. i have tried wiggleing the steering wheel and the gear selector no luck. if i force the key off will i break something else? thanks for any help.

 

gotta replace ignition lock cylinder in the steering column, went throught the same thing last year with mine.

 

You'll have to get a VATS ignition cylinder as a replacement - unless you've bypassed VATS already the lock cylinder will have to have the contacts inside to "read" the key pellet. After install, you'll need to get a key that is cut for the new lock (new lock will come with a plastic master), but that new key will have to be made using a VATS blank that has the same resistor as your old key - so take both keys with you. Any ACE hardware can cut VATS keys for $25 each.

 

when my key got stuck on the on position, I got a new ignition lock cylinder with a new key to match at a chevy dealership and then installed it. Turned key and car started haven't had any problems since. I'm not really sure where the vats come into this issue. I am aware of the chip that is on the keys that is why it was suggested to get a new key to match.

 

yep new ignition lock cylinder is what you need. you are going to need a spring compressor to remove the metal ring in the steering column behind the wheel. its not that bad of a job just remember where everything goes.

 

Dealership must have made your new keys based on the resistance of your old key pellet, whether they got that value off your old key or by a VIN number. The VATS module is programmed to 'look' for a certain value - if it does not get it, it won't start. There are 15 values. You MUST have keys made twith a pellet blank that matches the value YOUR car has been programmed to. Only other option is to bypass the VATS by giving it the resistor it wants by permanently attaching that resistor inline.

The steering wheel removal tool is available as a "free" rental at most any parts store.

You can get the lock cylinder at most any parts store as well, I'm assuming much cheaper than the dealer - mine was about $60 but that was 5 years ago. And like I said, ACE can cut the keys, just take the new plastic master and your old key so they can get the resistor value from old key.

 

correct I could have gotten the lock cylinder from a parts store, but they wouldn't match up the key that went with it. told me to go to the dealership and get both, shot two birds with one stone I guess.

 

thanks for the help. so a lock cylinder it is. i have already bypassed the vats for my ls1 swap so i should be good to go. thanks for the help.