How do you change a lock n key ignition switch on 1998 chevy 6 cy

Hi Shiela,

My name is Mike. I'm an Expert Moderator here at Fixya.

I was on my way out the door when I caught your post. Sorry about the delay. The reason for my intervention was the casual mention of Airbags. I spent some time at a U-Pull-IT type Auto Salvage yard.

Before Any vehicle makes it to the public areas, they need to be rendered safe. Gas and oil are drained. Batteries are pulled. AND Every single air bag, driver and passenger, side mount ceiling and floor, are removed sealed and stored in a secure storage area. There is a reason for this. People that were unaware of their properties were being injured and worse by accidental deployments.

The procedure you are considering can be very dangerous, even fatal to an untrained person performing it as well as anyone within 30 feet. I wanted to add some very real warnings about what you are considering. I posted this link once, read it again.

The replacement of the key cylinder and/or the lock switch is a process I would rate as low to medium difficulty. It requires specialized tools, Steering wheel puller and lock plate depressor (without them medium to highly difficult), not to mention the odd Torx bit. No real turmoil, The worst that can happen is you bust the plastic on the horn brush or drop a screw down the column.

BUT...... throw an AirBag in the mix and you have a whole different animal. You are now essentially dealing with a live explosive device that is designed to go off in your face. It was also designed to be firmly mounted when this happens so only the bag is moving at a head that is 18 - 24 inched from it.

If it isn't mounted (and it won't be if you pull the wheel), the recoil will launch the base of the unit in the opposite direction the bag is facing with significant force.. Four pounds of blunt force trauma waiting to happen. If you get hit in the head or neck, well.......

Just pulling the battery terminals doesn't disarm it.
Just pulling the fuse doesn't disarm it.

Disabling the system DOESN'T DISARM IT.

Disabling the system only makes it marginally safer to handle them. But make no mistake, they are live until they go off!

The slightest static charge to the exposed unit can set it off.
Heat can set it off.
Probing the wrong wire with a V.O. Meter can set it off.

So read my Tip on precautions and things to be aware of. Then consider the advice of someone who has removed over 700 of these without one accidental deployment, Be aware, be safe, take it seriously or better yet, take it to a pro.

I hate to sound like this, but I cannot overstate the gravity of the potential harm that could be done. I hope I have succeeded

Best regards
Mike




Hi Shiela,

My name is Mike. I'm an Expert Moderator here at Fixya.

I was on my way out the door when I caught your post. Sorry about the delay. The reason for my intervention was the casual mention of Airbags. I spent some time at a U-Pull-IT type Auto Salvage yard.

Before Any vehicle makes it to the public areas, they need to be rendered safe. Gas and oil are drained. Batteries are pulled. AND Every single air bag, driver and passenger, side mount ceiling and floor, are removed sealed and stored in a secure storage area. There is a reason for this. People that were unaware of their properties were being injured and worse by accidental deployments.

The procedure you are considering can be very dangerous, even fatal to an untrained person performing it as well as anyone within 30 feet. I wanted to add some very real warnings about what you are considering. I posted this link once, read it again.

The replacement of the key cylinder and/or the lock switch is a process I would rate as low to medium difficulty. It requires specialized tools, Steering wheel puller and lock plate depressor (without them medium to highly difficult), not to mention the odd Torx bit. No real turmoil, The worst that can happen is you bust the plastic on the horn brush or drop a screw down the column.

BUT...... throw an AirBag in the mix and you have a whole different animal. You are now essentially dealing with a live explosive device that is designed to go off in your face. It was also designed to be firmly mounted when this happens so only the bag is moving at a head that is 18 - 24 inched from it.

If it isn't mounted (and it won't be if you pull the wheel), the recoil will launch the base of the unit in the opposite direction the bag is facing with significant force.. Four pounds of blunt force trauma waiting to happen. If you get hit in the head or neck, well.......

Just pulling the battery terminals doesn't disarm it.
Just pulling the fuse doesn't disarm it.

Disabling the system DOESN'T DISARM IT.

Disabling the system only makes it marginally safer to handle them. But make no mistake, they are live until they go off!

The slightest static charge to the exposed unit can set it off.
Heat can set it off.
Probing the wrong wire with a V.O. Meter can set it off.

So read my Tip on precautions and things to be aware of. Then consider the advice of someone who has removed over 700 of these without one accidental deployment, Be aware, be safe, take it seriously or better yet, take it to a pro.

I hate to sound like this, but I cannot overstate the gravity of the potential harm that could be done. I hope I have succeeded

Best regards
Mike

what if you have no key to turn it to the start postion what if you have no key to turn it to the start postion