1998 Buick Regal Logo
Posted on Feb 22, 2011
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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My ignition switch doesn't shut off. I can turn my car on without the key. I would like to know if its the ignition switch that needs to be replaced or if i have to replaced the whole steering column.

2 Answers

Anonymous

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  • Master 784 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 22, 2011
Anonymous
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You will just need to replace the ignition switch itself.
should take you about 45 minutes to a hour to replace.
you will need a steering wheel puller and a compression tool to depress the compression plate to get to where the ignition screw is.
make sure you weight the cost of getting these tools and the cost of a new ignition switch - to - just having a automotive locksmith come out and replace the switch in about 20 minutes and a cost of about 85 dollars ( depending on where you live -- call around and ask for the price ).

c...

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  • Master 3,400 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 22, 2011
Anonymous
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You only need to replace ignition switch.

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5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 76 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 07, 2010

SOURCE: 1992 bronco fullsize won't turn

I had a similar problem with an '86 Bronco. It would start just fine but wouldn't turn off. The problem I experienced was with the linkage between the key switch and the ignition switch. When you start the truck it pushes the linkage, when you turn it off it pulls the linkage. A very small pin had fallen out that allowed the key switch to pull the linkage back and turn off the ignition switch. I wasn't able to find a replacement part and ended up drilling and tapping the hole where the pin went and making my own "threaded in" pin (used lots of loctite). You really have to take a lot of the steering column apart to get to the piece in question. If you are still having the problem contact me thru FixYa and I'll send you the diagrams I have.

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Anonymous

  • 840 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 01, 2009

SOURCE: Ignition switch/ steering column

no not usually / Please rate my response thank you very much

Anonymous

  • 321 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 12, 2009

SOURCE: ignition key doesn't always turn


Removal & Installation

Without Air Bag
See Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4

  1. Remove the turn signal switch.
  2. Insert the key in the lock cylinder and turn it to the ON position.



0900c152800a9f7f.jpg enlarge_icon.gifenlarge_tooltip.gif Fig. Fig. 1: Using a pair of needle nose pliers, remove the key warning buzzer switch and contacts from the steering column
  1. Remove the key warning buzzer switch and contacts AS AN ASSEMBLY using needle-nosed pliers, or a paper clip with a 90° bend.



0900c152800a9f80.jpg enlarge_icon.gifenlarge_tooltip.gif Fig. Fig. 2: Lock cylinder retaining screw
Some steering columns may have a retaining screw holding the lock cylinder in the column. When servicing this type, simply remove the retaining screw and remove the lock cylinder.


0900c152800a9f81.jpg enlarge_icon.gifenlarge_tooltip.gif Fig. Fig. 3: Using a small thin bladed tool, press in the ignition lock clinder retaining tab ...


0900c152800a9f82.jpg enlarge_icon.gifenlarge_tooltip.gif Fig. Fig. 4: ... then pull out the lock cylinder from the steering column
  1. With the ignition switch still in the ON position, insert a thin screwdriver into the slot adjacent to the switch attaching screw boss (right-hand slot). Depress the spring latch located at the bottom of the slot to release the lock cylinder.
  2. Remove the lock cylinder.

To install:
  1. To install the lock cylinder, turn the key to the LOCK position. Insert the lock cylinder in to the housing far enough to contact the drive tang. Force it inward and move the ignition switch actuator rod up and down to align the components. When the components align, the cylinder will move inward and the spring-loaded retainer will snap into place locking the lock cylinder in the housing.

If the lock cylinder is retained by a screw, tighten the screw to 40 inch lbs. (5 Nm).
  1. Install the key warning buzzer switch.
  2. Follow the ignition switch installation procedures to adjust the ignition switch.
  3. Install the turn signal switch.

With Air Bag
Please refer to the ignition switch removal and installation procedure.

Anonymous

  • 1111 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 23, 2009

SOURCE: 1988 f-150 truck won't shut off at the key switch.

if you are looking to just shut the vehicle off pull the crank fuse ..until you can figure out what you did or didn't hook up

Anonymous

  • 87 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 26, 2009

SOURCE: 1994 C220 Mercedes ignition key will not turn

try shaking the steering wheel while you are turning the key. I have the same problem all the time. Not sure on the column removal phone the dealer,

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If you want to know how to by pass it your self, i'll send you an e mail on how to do it. Just can't post it here, never know who's reading eh.
Good luck and hope this helps.
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