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Troubleshoot Steering+Ignition Lock. Ignition lock cylinder bad.

1

13eelzeboul

New member
My steering wheel lock was engaged to tow the car.
The key used was deteriorated and damaged the ignition lock cylinder when used.

because the steering wheel is locked I cannot move the ignition lock cylinder to a position to replace it.

because the ignition does not recognize the key or is damaged I cannot unlock the steering wheel.

I had seen videos on hammer a screwdriver into the ignition until it could be turned to remove the faulty ignition cylinder.
with the pass key system will this still be possible?
it will not prevent the steering wheel lock from releasing?

My only agenda is to assess the engine before committing to a swap as the strut towers are toast
so if jumping the starter or something else may work I'm open to suggestions

Thanx for looking the car is a 98 grand prix gtp
 
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Many many years ago my key broke off in the ignition cylinder of my Bronco. After getting the truck towed home, I spent about 4 hours drilling out the key and cylinder, to the point that I could remove it. This might be one fix for you.
 
are the wheels turned all the way to one side? or have flat tires?

if so try pushing the wheel one way or the other while trying to turn the key, the lock can hold up the key from turning. or try this regardless of tires or turned, give it a good hard wiggle left and right. sounds like its been parked for a while.

if you do drill it or hammer the screw driver and turn deal, keep in mind to use a new key you need to the old one to be inserted and turned. then removed, then you put the new key in to keep it all synced up.
 
@scotty your saying for the relearn process of a new key I need the old key?
I think the majority of the problem is coming from the old ignition lock not accepting or recognizing the original key.

the wheels are straight but one is flat.
 


98 has a lump on the key with metal tabs on it. you ohm the key and buy a new one as per the ohm range. key syncs with the ignition harness box. old key in and to run for 10 seconds, remove key install new key. might need a dealer to fix that if it wont work right.

or hit up a junk yard, pull the harness and tumbler, some yards have the keys for the cars. you will need its key/keys. if you want to go all out and not have two keys, take the same cars door locks and trunk lock. they all come out very easy, just a clip holds them in.

unless yours is like my 98 regal, i got a door key and ignition key,
 
This is super awkward to me. In order to sync a new key the previous key must be in working order. Why would you need to replace the thing if it was working lmao.
If replacing the lock cylinder isn't gonna fix this issue is there a means of jumping the starter to turn the engine over completely free of the ignition?
Im just trying to make sure the engine is sound before swapping it into a new vehicle.
 
How to Replace or Fix an Ignition Lock Cylinder to Unlock Steering Wheel - With or Without a Key - YouTube

Ignition Key Replacement and Re-Program For A Grand Prix - YouTube

so these are what im looking at.

Your thinking even worse case I destroy the ignition cylinder lock with screwdriver ill be able to press the key to the passkey and get it to turn?
Im a lil worried about destroying the ignition even though it is faulty just in terms of having to try to take this thing to a dealership jsut to hear the engine run
 
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