ACE1252

My brother's 1999 Camaro is giving him problems starting the car. The Security light is playing havoc with him. I suspect the Cylinder Lock is bad, because he has tried his spare key with no change in the car's condition.

How hard is it to replace the Cylinder Lock? I think I've seen dealer costs of replacing it around 300 or 400 dollars. I'd just assume do it myself, if it is not too involved. Anyone had any experience with changing one out? Thx for the help!

redlined4816

i havent really looked into it on my ls1 but on my 86 it is just a matter of taking the door panel off, taking the clip off of the metal wire the moves the lock and taking the clip of the back of the lock, it a piece of cake, 30 min project at most, but i dont know if it got more technical in the newer cars

wait or do you mean the ignition lock? that was a little more technical on the 86 but still something that anyone with a pair of hand and some technical skill can do, but on a newer lock im not sure beacause of the keys with the little chip in them

ACE1252

I'm talking about the ignition lock. I think the resistor contacts in the lock are worn out.

crazypurgatory

You need to check the chip on the key.
Look on Shoebox's page.
http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#pass_key
Check the chip first.


Chris G.

ACE1252

Resistor pellet is fine. I told him to switch to his spare key to see if the problem disappeared. It didn't.

I've already tested at the connector with the key in the ignition. The reading was infinite. I have done the VATS bypass with a combo of resistors that emulates the value of his pellet. The security light has now disappeared, but of course he now does not have the protection of the Pass Key II system.

I was just wondering how involved changing the cylinder lock would be...

When I have to work around the airbag I get nervous.

Valkyn71

I dont think its that hard to change the lock cylinder, its just pretty expensive.

Most people would rather spend $1 on a resistor than $100+ on the new ignition.

Lt1t56

You will have to buy a new lock cylinder and new keys for it.

Disconnect the battery and wait 5 minutes. Remove the air bag, remove the steering wheel with wheel puller. There are marks on the wheel and steering shaft so you can line them up when installing so the wheel will be in the same place.

Using a lock plate compressor, push the lock plate down, remove "C" clip, remove lock plate.

Remove the screw holding turn signal lever to turn signal switch. Remove turn signal switch screws (3).

Place turn signal switch to the side.

Tie long piece of string or wire to connector going to lock cylinder at bottom of column, this is going to help you guide the new wires through the column.

Remove the lock cylinder by removing screw or pushing in spring loaded retainer (forgot which one it is)

Attach the string or wire that is now running through the column to the new lock cylinder connector and guide the wires down the column, install lock cylinder.

Reverse steps.