Hi,
The lock cylinder on my 1990 Firebird (305 with auto trans) is worn out and sometimes gets stuck once the cars been turned on and is hard to get it to turn off.It needs a new lock cylinder and key.

I have never had one of these cars with the air bag before,how much harder is it to get to the cylinder,how do I disconnect the air bag?

Also since I have already bypassed the VATS chip in the key,is there a lock cylinder that I can buy without spending the extra money for the VATS version? if so what is the part number or year and make so I can get it.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.I need to get this taken care of asap.

 

I checked the local parts store and I can get the lock cylinder and keys for the 1990 for $34.99 my question is would it be possible to use a lock cylinder for an 89 or earlier firebird since I have already bypassed vats with a resistor?

89 and earlier third gens didn't have vats,right?

 

Can't see any reason why non-VATS lock cylinder wouldn't work. Standard Motor Products part # US117L would be available at your local parts store.

Removing air bag requires only slightly special care. Disconnect the battery and wait 10 minutes, the airbag cannot go off after that much time even if you make a mistake.

Once you get the steering wheel off, all the parts in there look the same if you're familiar with the older style GM steering columns.

 

Thanks!
It's a good thing I read that about the air bag first.how does the airbag disconnect,Is it just couple of wires?

The last cylinder I changed was on a 77 firebird,so t didn't have all this crap.

 

Just want to confirm this to be sure,all I have to do is disconnect the battery,wait ten minutes and then I can take the airbag out,correct? Does it just unplug right inside the steering wheel? If not where is the connector I need to pull.

How can I just permanently disable the airbag? I really don't want that feature on the car and eventually want to get an earlier third gen steering wheel to install.

 

Yes, there's just a simple connector on the airbag, you will see it when you pull it out. I would imagine that if the airbag steering wheel is sitting on a shelf in your garage, it's disabled. You'll probably get a dash light on because it won't pass the test on startup. Not sure how to get around that, but someone here will.

 

Thanks.the thing is of the airbag is mounted to the steering wheel cover then it won't be sitting in the garage,I'll have to reinstall it until I get an earlier steering wheel.

I was just worried it would be a nightmare to work around because I heard there is a coil on the column that had to be positioned correctly...I really hate all the stupid bs they put on cars nowadays.

I called around,the non vats lock cylinder is only $14.99 hopefully it will mount up the same.
Maybe I should try and get a new key cut for this one first,I only have the one original key and it's probably worn with age.Can the dealer get the key cutting code from my cars vin to make an brand new key without copying the worn ridges on my old one?