I've been having problem starting my car for a few years with the key jamming and binding ect. Well today the key is stuck in the ignition and i cant get it out. I cant start the car, or do anything. I need to pull that out and replace it. Do this involve removing the entire steering column? Where and what specficly are these parts called (i thought "ignition switch" was a computer chip or something) , part numbers would be fantastic. It's a 95 trans am lt1, automatic.

btw sry if this is posted in the wrong forum.

 

guess i'll be ordering the entire steering column.

 

Whole steering column? Sounds a little drastic.

The switch is on the lower part of the column. There is a "how to" on my Tech Page for replacing that. The switch could keep the key from turning, but won't keep the key from going in and out of the key cylinder (as long as it can return to the OFF position).

The key cylinder can be replaced just by taking off some parts under the steering wheel.

 

I just pulled mine today to put a new ignition switch in it and it was really easy. It took me like 30 minutes. The problem could be the switch or the cylinder. The easiest way to find out is to pull your column by following shboxs tech article and then taking the switch off (The switch has a metal rod attached to it from the ignition cylinder) and pull the rod out then if your key cylinder is free, then you know that it was the switch locking up. If not then it is the cylinder. Usually though if you are having trouble starting it as in you turn the key and nothing happens and your VATS light isn't blinking, then it is the switch. Just my .02 Hope that helps.

 

Alright i just got done installing a new steering column and man it was surprisingly easy. the key and lock was so messed up and it was sticking and the key will no longer come out. I had some other issues with my old column i wanted to take car of anyways. like missing panels and paint chipping.

Anyways... when i put the new key in the ignition all of the accessories work like wipers, blinker and my e-water pump clicks on but the car wont start. I'm thinking it's because my pcm is seeing that im trying to start the car with a different key than the original and the vats wont allow it to start. How to i fix this? Do i get the new key scanned or soemthing and reflash the pcm?

 

The PCM has nothing to do with it. You need the pellet code from your previous key and the key profile of your new key merged into one key.

 

ahh sweet, i can do that. I thought i was going ot have to reprogram or something.