Thread: ignition lock cylinder removal for a 98 regal

hey guys. i picked up a whole steering column a while back, and have it all stripped down with one part left to remove before i toss it in the trash.

how do i get the ignition lock cylinder out of the column? i have the key and it turns.

and is there a sensor for the vat key that i will need, the black box by the key im guessing as thats all thats left.

cant hurt to have a spare of all this stuff.

thanks.

Vats is conveyed by the two small wires that plug in partway down the column to the dash.

found detailed directions, ill copy them here and the link to where its from. i just got like another 100 bucks worth of stuff off this column i got for 20 bucks lmao.

Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 18,039 Thanks: 30 Thanked 32 Times in 27 Posts

How to Replace Ignition Switch '97-'03 Ignition switch replacement for '97 - '03 Grand Prix BEFORE BEGINING THIS REPAIR REMOVE THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL FROM THE BATTERY. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO THE REPAIR WITHOUT DOING THIS. Look inside the slot where the tilt steering knob is located. There is a black metal piece where the knob inserts into the tilt mechanism. Pry it back slightly with a small screwdriver. One from an electronics tool set will work. While you have it pried, pull the knob out and it should release. Remove the two screws from the bottom of the steering column cover and remove the cover. Remove the two screws that hold the top steering column cover in place. Insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn the key clockwise to the start position. Nothing will happen because you have disconnected the battery prior to starting this project. Lift the top steering column cover being careful not to break it because it is still held in place by the ignition key cylinder. You will see with your mirror near the back end of the cylinder housing a small hole. Stick a small allen wrench in the hole, this will release the key cylinder so that it can be pulled out. Once the key cylinder is removed the column top cover is free to be removed. The black box below the key cylinder with all of the wires coming out of it is the ignition switch that you are changing. Look at the switch you have purchased for this repair. Notice that the small white plug with two wires attached has a tab on the side that can be pushed down, this is the release for the plug-in. Using your mirror you will see that plug-in against the ignition switch housing where it plugs in. Using a small screw driver press the release tab in against the plug and rotate the plug 90 degrees to the right to remove it. To do otherwise may break the plug. Remove the plug from the white key release device by inserting a small screw driver and pressing the release tab on it. Undo the two screws holding the ignition switch. Undo the plug at the opposite end of the ignition switch by unscrewing the bolt in the center of the plug and unplugging it. (Use 7mm socket) There is a black wiring plug on top and a gray one on the bottom of the ignition switch plug that need to be removed. This is done by prying the center of the plug case where it meets the ignition harness plug while sliding it forward. Note: Black and gray plugs sandwich the ignition switch plug. They are the plugs for the multifunction switch. Cut any tie wraps holding the wire harness in place and feed it out of the dash. To install do the reverse of the above, and tie wrap the new harness into place. Be sure to properly align the key cylinder when replacing it in the housing and if the key will not come out of the cylinder there is a silver key release button at the bottom of the white device in front of the ignition switch. Press it and the key will come out. Also when replacing the ignition switch make sure that the slot in the switch is properly aligned with the corresponding part on the steering column that fits in the slot.

How to Replace Ignition Switch '97-'03 - Automotive Forums .com Car Chat