Car was running fine. had battery disconnected & reconnected. Key will not turn in ignition switch. getting a reading that says steering lock malfunction, stop car safely

Multi-Function Switch Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. A Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder. B Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to RUN position. C Push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.
3. If equipped, twist the tilt wheel handle and shank counterclockwise and remove.
4. A Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds. B Remove the screws. C Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
5. A Remove the multi-function switch. B Remove the screws. C Disconnect the electrical connectors. D Remove the multi-function switch.

Re Install:

1. NOTE: When the battery is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 mi or more to relearn the strategy.
2. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

#2 Illustration

#3 Illustration



#4 Illustration



#5 Illustration


Re-install

You will have to remove the lock and then make sure the steering wheel lock is permanently disengaged before putting the column back together without the lock cylinder. While you are there, you can also remove the ignition switch and reconnect it external to the column so you can use it. Here is the procedure: Except 240 Series
See Figures 1 and 2

WARNING
Before working the steering system, read the SRS service precautions in Chassis Electrical .

1. Place the front wheels in straight-ahead position.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable AND TAPE the cable end.
3. Remove the air bag assembly.
4. Remove the steering wheel.
5. Remove the contact reel assembly.
6. Remove the combination switch.
7. Remove the steering column rake adjustment lever using a 0.12 in. (3mm) hex wrench.
8. Remove the parking plate around the steering tube (4 screws).
9. Disconnect the ignition lock connector.
10. Turn the ignition switch to position I .
11. Take a 0.079 inch (2mm) drift and press down the tumblers in the cylinder.
12. Remove the lock assembly.

To install:

1. Install the steering lock assembly.
2. Turn the ignition switch to position I and press down the tumblers with a suitable drift
3. Install the lock assembly.
4. Install the combination switch assembly.
5. Install the contact reel.
6. Install the steering wheel.
7. Install the air bag assembly.

CAUTION
When connecting the battery, make sure that no one is in the vehicle in case of an SRS malfunction causing accidental air bag deployment.

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Check the vehicle operation and SRS system for fault codes.

What most people refer to as the "Ignition switch" is really the "cylinder lock", that when turned with the key, operates the actual "ignition switch".
The switch causing your problem is inside the steering column, and the column needs to be at least partly disassembled to access it.

You are going to need to replace the ignition switch

SECTION 211-05: Steering Column Switches 1998 Expedition/Navigator Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Procedure revision date: 02/11/2000 Multifunction Switch Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301).

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582).
   1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Insert a punch through the hole in the lower steering column shroud and push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.

1. Twist the tilt wheel handle and shank (3F609) and remove.

1. NOTE: Move gear selector to lowest position to access steering column opening cover.
   Release the four clips and remove the steering column opening cover.

1. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
   1. Remove the three screws.
   1. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
   1. Remove the upper steering column shroud.

1. Remove the multi function switch.
   1. Remove the two screws.
   1. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
   1. Remove the multi function switch.

Installation

1. NOTE: When the battery (10655) is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 mi) or more to relearn the strategy.
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Hello,

The ignition switch is immediately behind and attached to the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder is where you place the key to start your vehicle. If you are having problems with your vehicle not starting and or turning the key, more than likely you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder. It is common for these to go bad in GM vehicles. To replace the ignition switch of Your car please get these instruments (Flat head screwdriver, Mechanic's gloves, Socket wrench with adapters, Lint-free cloth)and carefully follow the steps below:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the terminal of your Pontiac Grand Am's battery. This will ensure that you avoid the potential of electrocution as well as accidental inflation of the air bag. After disconnecting the battery, wait 15 minutes before performing any work on the car.
2. Remove the three flat head screws from the steering column cover to access the ignition switch assembly. If the covers and interior parts of the steering column are dirty or dusty, try cleaning them with a damp, lint-free cloth.
3. Depress the silver button on the column underneath the ignition switch if your key is still stuck in the lock cylinder. You will need to turn the key to the "Off" position and remove it in order to remove the rest of the ignition switch assembly.
4. Remove the two connection bolts holding the ignition switch assembly into place. Disconnect the electrical connection tab leading to the ignition switch as well as the tab that sits behind the ignition switch once you slide it out from the steering column console.
5. Clip the electrical connection tab to the new ignition switch for your 2004 Pontiac Grand Am and slide the ignition switch into place. You will need to have the new key in the ignition switch as you slide it into place and turned to the "Off" position. Once it matches the exact position of the previous ignition switch, rotate the key to the "On" position, and you should hear a click from a tab that extends from the bottom of the ignition switch and connects with the ignition switch housing on the steering column. Reconnect the electrical connection tab leading to the ignition switch.
6. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and turn your car on to make sure that you have made all of the connections correctly between the steering column and the new ignition switch. Reinstall the steering column panel coverings.

Hope this helps. Thank You for using FixYa!!!

you will find clear pictures here;
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/index.php



Ignition Switch & Lock Cylinder

• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Disconnect battery negative cable from remote negative terminal on shock tower and properly isolate to prevent accidental reconnection.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Steering column upper and lower covers Key ring antenna Steering lock cylinder
   
4. Insert the key in the steering lock cylinder and turn it to the "ACC" position.
5. Using a small Phillips head screwdriver, pull the steering lock cylinder toward you.

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Ignition switch to steering column Steering lock cylinder to ignition switch Key ring antenna to ignition switch Steering column upper and lower covers
   

Disconnect the negative battery cable with the proper size wrench and place away from the battery.

Insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key to the run position.

2 Remove the steering column cover on a tilt steering wheel model by pressing the upper and lower section of the cover together and pulling free from the mounting plate. Remove the steering column covers on a non tilt steering wheel model by using a Philips screwdriver and unscrewing the mounting screws.

3 Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch by lifting up on the release tab and pulling.

Press the ignition switch actuator pin by pushing a small screw driver into the key lock cylinder, while doing this pull the ignition switch out of the ignition switch housing.

Installation

1 Insert the new key into the new ignition switch and turn the key to the run position. Insert the new ignition switch into the ignition switch housing. Wiggle the switch back and forth until the actuator pin mounting hole is aligned and falls into place.

2 Install the electrical connector back into the connector housing by pressing it in with your hands.

3 Place the steering column covers back onto the non tilt steering wheel and insert mounting screws. Tighten screws using a Philips screwdriver. Place the steering column covers over the tilt steering wheel and press the upper and lower portion together to snap covers back into the mounting plate.

4 Pull on the ignition key to ensure switch is locked into place. Turn key to the "off" position and remove the key. Insert the key and start the vehicle.

hope this helps you

the actuator inside the sterring column that the lock cylinder turns is boken, this is a very complex job and is not for the home tech without a factory service manual.

what year?

1999 electrcial ign switch. Lock cylinder is different

211-05: Steering Column Switches 1999 Town Car Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Position the LH instrument panel insulator aside.
   1. Remove the pin-type retainers.
   1. Position the insulator.

1. Remove the LH instrument panel insulator.
   1. Disconnect the courtesy lamp.
   1. Remove the insulator.

1. Remove the lower instrument panel steering column opening cover.
   • Remove the screws.
   • Unhook the parking brake release handle and position aside.
   • Remove the cover.

1. Remove the five bolts to remove the instrument panel steering column opening cover reinforcement.

1. Disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector.
   1. Loosen the bolt.
   1. Disconnect the electrical connector.

1. NOTE: The ignition key should be in the OFF position.
   Remove the ignition switch.
   1. Remove the bolts.
   1. Remove the switch.

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SECTION 211-04: Steering Column 1999 Town Car Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder —Functional Lock Cylinder Removal

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable; for additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .

1. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder (11582).
   1. Insert the ignition key and turn to the RUN position.
   1. Press the ignition switch lock cylinder release pin while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder.