ashleykleban

Ive got a 92 RS, my ignition lock took a crap and has to be replaced. Until then the car is sitting with disconnected battery cause ignition in off position and with key out kicks the fans on. I have been searching for a repair kit that includes lock and tumblers but you are able to still use you original key. Any suggestions?? To much hassle to buy ignition, seperatly by key with chip, then have new key cut and recoded. Also any tips when installing it?? I already know its going to be a pain having to take everything apart to remove old one and to put new one in. Thanks

navy02ws6

Usually people replace the ignition cylinders rather than trying to fix them...I've known a few people that could build one to a key, but it's a very skilled art (usually only a locksmith knows how). I'd recommend just buying a new cylinder, which will include a new key that is already cut to fit it. They have them for around $50 on eBay.

Tearing down a steering column to replace the cylinder is going to be nothing short of a PITA. Something I'd leave to a professional usually. They're basically spring loaded with a ton of little parts, and lots of things to go wrong if they're not put back together 100% (airbag, turn signals, high beams, cruise control, windshield washer, wipers, hazard lights, horn, etc.). Just comes down to how much patience you have and how much you don't need the car to get places if you're trying to DIY.

blacksunshine'91

iTrader: (10)

Yes it is a PITA, but not entirely that difficult at all. I don't think it is something you'd have to take to an overpriced mechanic. What "spring loaded parts" are you talking about? To get to the ignition cylinder, you don't have to do anything with the turn signal lever, high beam switch, cruise control, or windshield washer, and there's only one easily removed/reinstalled screw for the hazard switch. It only takes an hour or two to remove and reinstall the ignition cylinder. Not nearly as hard as you made it out to sound. Make sure you know which resistor chip your VATS has (if it has one) and order a few key blanks with that chip. Buy an new cylinder and have the new blanks cut to match the key that comes with it. Really not that hard. Also, a set of snap ring pliers will make the job immensely easier.

eseibel67

Lock plate is spring loaded and needs to be compressed. Not a very expensive tool, or, it can be compressed with your thumbs while someone else removes the retaining ring.

navy02ws6

Weird, I had thought for sure that all of that needed to come out to get to the ign cyl. If it's just a matter of pulling the steering wheel, then it should be relatively simple.

blacksunshine'91

iTrader: (10)

Just follow the instructions in the following thread:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...-steering.html

Just stop when you get the ignition cylinder out and then reverse steps to button it all back up, or continue on to tighten the bolts since your in that deep. Not hard, just time consuming. Be prepared to get a few cuts on your hands and fingers. Those parts in there have some sharp edges.

Ron U.S.M.C.

OK, when dealing with the VATs system
my suggestion is to bypass the key entirely and use a resistor in line under the column.(cost about $1.00 to do and is a very common procedure)That way he can use the new cylinder and key that comes with it because the pellet resistance no longer matters . Or he can use the method above or buy a VATs bypass module .


Side note = The resistance in the pellet on the original key is use when buying the resister that by passes it so use a multimeter, one probe on either side of the key being sure they are only touching the pellet and not the side of the key. Write down the resistance and keep that for future reference.