Changing Ignition Key Cylinder
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Changing Ignition Key Cylinder
What is required? I just noticed that it is getting hard to turn the ingition key. Kind of catches and grinds. I tried a new key and it is the same. What part do I need, and how hard is it to replace?
TIA
TIA
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
I've done this many times... but not on a C5.
Generally you gain access to the steering column and you will see a push-in button (it's mechanical... not electrical) somewhere on the side of the key cylinder.
Put in a known good key and rotate to the normal "run" position. Next push in on the "button" and then pull out the entire lock cylinder... key and all.
But I haven't a clue if it's anything like that on a C5.
Generally you gain access to the steering column and you will see a push-in button (it's mechanical... not electrical) somewhere on the side of the key cylinder.
Put in a known good key and rotate to the normal "run" position. Next push in on the "button" and then pull out the entire lock cylinder... key and all.
But I haven't a clue if it's anything like that on a C5.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Purchased a new cylinder today. Thanks to Corvette Club discount, it was 'only' $65. Normally $110. The desk jockey told me to take it next door to the service dept to get it 'coded'.
Service rep tells me it takes 2-3 hours, and will cost $225 to have it 'coded'.
Is this BS?
Service rep tells me it takes 2-3 hours, and will cost $225 to have it 'coded'.
Is this BS?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,092
Likes: 1
From: I speak the truth. Harsh but accurate. The Woodlands Texas
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
By coding, are they saying somthing to do with the VATS (resistor) system? If not they are talking about changing out the wafers in the cylinder. If it is the wafers or pins I would either do it myself ot bring it to a locksmith to do. They cut you a deal on the cylinder but looks like they are putting it to you on the setup.
Chris
Chris
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: OKC OK
i had to change the electrical part connected to the ignitions switch...you can do it easily...only about 2 nuts, 6 screws...dont be afraid to tackle this...you will see..its very easy to acccess this switch...the keyed part comes off separate from the electrical piece
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 806
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Hi Jeff. Long time no see. I saw Raymond, Diane, and Jim ? (Polo Green w/ gold stripes) at the Gerry Lane show a few weeks ago. Took mama's new ride over there. See my sig.
Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I removed the kneepad and the black cover around the keyhole. Placed the key in the hole and turned it to ON. Found a little depression on the outside of the mechanism and pressed it with a toothpick, and the entire cylinder pulled right out.
It was dirty as heck, so I cleaned it and lubed it and out it back in, and it is working perfectly. Took the new one back to Chevy dealer.
Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I removed the kneepad and the black cover around the keyhole. Placed the key in the hole and turned it to ON. Found a little depression on the outside of the mechanism and pressed it with a toothpick, and the entire cylinder pulled right out.
It was dirty as heck, so I cleaned it and lubed it and out it back in, and it is working perfectly. Took the new one back to Chevy dealer.
Last edited by Nitro Junkie; Jul 24, 2006 at 11:36 PM.
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