I have noticed a problem with my Vette. I can pull my key out with the cluster still not locked. like while the car is running . this is not a problem as when i remove the key I can turn it back to "off"and it will lock as usual. but this is not OK since other people drive my car and might forget and then i might not have a Vette anymore .

so what do I need to replace? do I have to get new keys? any chance of this throwing off my ignition/key chip?

thanks guys

 

You need to replace the key lock cylinder which will come with a new key. Yea that means pulling the steering wheel.
If you have VATS you will have to ensure that you replace it with one that has a key with the same value as the old key or your car will not start.
jerris

 

and idea on what these parts cost or how hard this is to do?
my key has a chip looking thing on it and is an 89' so do I have VATS?

 

These parts are not expensive at all, probably less than $50.00. If you have a digital ohmmeter use it to check the resistance across from one side to the other on the pellet in your key and post this and I will tell you the VATS number for the key you need to order.
What year is your car? does it have an airbag in the steering wheel?
With this information I will give you the steps necessary to replace the key tumbler.
Let me know.
Jerris

 

the car is an 89' and it does not have an airbag

 

Here are the steps. There might be some slight variations on your car but this is what you have to do; First center the steering wheel so that you can put it back on straiche, it will only be able to co on one way as there is usuallu one spline that is bigger than the others.

1 Renove horn button pad. Two screws from the back.
2. Remove nut holding on steering wheel.
3. Use a puller to remove steering wheel.
4. screw out indicator flasher arm. If not screw out there will be a screw you can get at after removing the steering wheem that holds it on.
5 Rempve the emergency flasher button. One screw through the head.
6. Remove two screws holding the plastic parts of the indicator inside the steering column and pull up and over the steering shaft. ( the wires are usually long enough for this)
7 You now have to remove the metal plate that is the steering wheel lock. It is the metal disc that has the notches around the edges. to remove this you will need the proper compressor or some help. The spring is not that stiff so you can depress it by hand, however you neeed 3 hands. With your thumps push down on this disc about 1/4 inch and have your helper use something like an icepick or awl to pry up and out the metal ring that fits into the grove in the steering shaft. Now slip the ring up and off the steering shaft. Now slip the steering lock disc up off the steering shaft.
8. Now you can see a bolt that goes straight down along the side of the ignition key tumbler. Remove this bolt.
9. Pull the old tumbler straight out and replace it with the new one.
10. Reverse steps 1 to 8 to reassemble everything and you are done.

Hope this helps
jerris