ignition switch
Team Owner
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It might be important to know if you want the 'actual' switch that's mounted to the column(can't be seen) or key & cylinder that you twist/turn. Many get confused. You would have no problem with a 'local' buy for either BUT maybe you might mention why you feel you need whichever.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Lansing MI
^^^ This ^^^
The ignition lock cylinder (that you inert the key into) is a separate component from the ignition switch. I don't think you will have much trouble tracking down either part though. Maybe 30 or 40 bucks for either part. I'm guessing on that but neither are really expensive parts.
The ignition lock cylinder (that you inert the key into) is a separate component from the ignition switch. I don't think you will have much trouble tracking down either part though. Maybe 30 or 40 bucks for either part. I'm guessing on that but neither are really expensive parts.
Safety Car
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From: Mission Viejo CA
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
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It might be important to know if you want the 'actual' switch that's mounted to the column(can't be seen) or key & cylinder that you twist/turn. Many get confused. You would have no problem with a 'local' buy for either BUT maybe you might mention why you feel you need whichever.
i have never tried to start one of these cars with
a screwdriver, though i have a plethora of those
and no ignition key.
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Race Director
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From: Lansing MI
I cant remember if the 84 model car has the vats theft deterrent system, if it does, then that could be a problem.
If not, then you just need to replace the ignition lock cylinder.
You might be able to get one at the local napa store or autozone or whatever.
Its pretty easy to replace, provided you have a steering wheel puller and the column lock plate tool.
Its very difficult to improvise if you do not have the column lock plate tool. You might get it apart, but you wont get it back together.
You might want to just pay someone who has the equipment, and have them do this. Its not an expensive repair.
Last edited by PatternDayTrader; Feb 10, 2018 at 11:25 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
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From: Mission Viejo CA
I can't remember if the '84 model car has the vats theft deterrent system, if it does, then that could be a problem. If not, then you just need to replace the ignition lock cylinder. Its pretty easy to replace, provided you have a steering wheel puller and the column lock plate tool.
It's time to call a locksmith. Sorry.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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This is correct - an easy removal/replace requires an ignition key to rotate to RUN
For a 'damage free' replacement the locksmith is the solution. Could save you $$$ in longer scheme of things.
Other options? Yes but I'd recommend it only for very experienced persons with the tilt/telescopic column.
Be sure to mention to the locksmith that the car has a NON VATS column. Some might just assume all C4 have VATS and price the effort accordingly.
I'd be maybe interested in what price you're quoted and where you're located. A busy metropolitan location might carry a very high price tag. A rural/smaller community it could certainly be a much better experience.
If you felt the '84 was worth the price to buy then the $$$ to accomplish the cylinder replacement correctly shouldn't be an issue. If you don't have door key then the locksmith should be able to use the console lock to create you a door key also if nothing has been changed.
Race Director
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From: Lansing MI
Man that's crazy. I don't remember the key being required to pull the lock cylinder. I'm not saying that isn't the case, but I don't remember it that way.
Anyone have a few pics of the inside of the column ?
So if the lock cylinder is seized and you have the key, can you still disassemble it in the way its intended ?
Anyone have a few pics of the inside of the column ?
So if the lock cylinder is seized and you have the key, can you still disassemble it in the way its intended ?
Last edited by PatternDayTrader; Feb 11, 2018 at 08:45 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,386
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Man that's crazy. I don't remember the key being required to pull the lock cylinder. I'm not saying that isn't the case, but I don't remember it that way.
Anyone have a few pics of the inside of the column ?
So if the lock cylinder is seized and you have the key, can you still disassemble it in the way its intended ?
Anyone have a few pics of the inside of the column ?
So if the lock cylinder is seized and you have the key, can you still disassemble it in the way its intended ?
I did mention talented and experienced tilt/telescopic. This covers cylinder and then you've the removal of parts to get there and then reassemble.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
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This is correct - an easy removal/replace requires an ignition key to rotate to RUN
Where is the car? in a barn about thirty miles from my house
Home with you or somewhere else?
Is it easily accessed?
easily accessed
Has the car run recently before the key was lost?
yes it was started about three months ago.
For a 'damage free' replacement the locksmith is the solution.
Could save you $$$ in longer scheme of things.
yes the locksmith will make a key for $300.00
Other options?
Yes but I'd recommend it only for very experienced persons with the tilt/telescopic column.
Be sure to mention to the locksmith that the car has a NON VATS column. Some might just assume all C4 have VATS and price the effort accordingly.
If you felt the '84 was worth the price to buy then the $$$5,000 to accomplish the cylinder replacement correctly shouldn't be an issue. If you don't have door key then the locksmith should be able to use the console lock to create you a door key also if nothing has been changed.
Where is the car? in a barn about thirty miles from my house
Home with you or somewhere else?
Is it easily accessed?
easily accessed
Has the car run recently before the key was lost?
yes it was started about three months ago.
For a 'damage free' replacement the locksmith is the solution.
Could save you $$$ in longer scheme of things.
yes the locksmith will make a key for $300.00
Other options?
Yes but I'd recommend it only for very experienced persons with the tilt/telescopic column.
Be sure to mention to the locksmith that the car has a NON VATS column. Some might just assume all C4 have VATS and price the effort accordingly.
If you felt the '84 was worth the price to buy then the $$$5,000 to accomplish the cylinder replacement correctly shouldn't be an issue. If you don't have door key then the locksmith should be able to use the console lock to create you a door key also if nothing has been changed.
thank you
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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$300 seems quite high - you haven't mentioned where you're located. Was that a call you made before posting and knowing about the NON VATS or ......
If it ran 3 months ago and there were keys - who lost the keys? You or the previous owner or you maybe haven't bought yet?
If it ran 3 months ago and there were keys - who lost the keys? You or the previous owner or you maybe haven't bought yet?
Last edited by WVZR-1; Feb 11, 2018 at 09:55 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Lansing MI
I did mention talented and experienced tilt/telescopic. This covers cylinder and then you've the removal of parts to get there and then reassemble.
Attachment 48253600
Attachment 48253600
You mangle the key buzzer switch, because the switch contacts are in the "open" position and the top piece is caught in a groove on the lock cylinder. By inserting the key, the tab on the cylinder pushes the buzzer switch contact out of the grove and against the other contact, only then does the cylinder come out without resistance. Plus, theres a plastic tab on the buzzer switch that overlaps the cylinder retaining bolt head.
Last edited by PatternDayTrader; Feb 11, 2018 at 10:00 AM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
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i found a key, key cylinder and ignition switch on a web site that someone posted for me in here. total cost will be about 50.00
Team Owner
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