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I recently took my car into Pepboys, because the key would not turn in order to turn on the car. They told me that my ignition column was shot, and that I would have to replace it. Is there anyway I can get another ignition column not from the dealer? or would a new ignition lock fix this?  

just because the lock does not turn... when you put the key in.. does not indicate the steering column needs replacing...

most of the time.. when you get a steering column...   its somebody else's that was fixed with a few new parts and sold to you as an exchange..

every individual parts is available...

most of the time.. its just the lock cylinder...    most professional mechanics or automotive locksmiths can do it..

there are also steering column repair places.. usually found in or near Junk yards.....  they specialize in column repairs..

but .. like i said.. its probably the lock cylinder.. unless somebody tried to steal your car and damaged it that way..


here is a picture of the column...
http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/24/35/cc/medium/0900c152802435cc.gif


part number 12 is the ignition lock cylinder...

part number 11 is the lock housing..  and is available...

part number 19 is the ignition switch...

most of these cars have a pass lock sort of security system.. that will require programming...

care will also need to be done when removing the AIR BAG... and the steering wheel as to not let the Clock spring Unwind, number 3....

there is one thing.. once in a while... when you park the car.. if the wheels are turned... to get the key to unlock the wheel.. you have to  turn the steering wheel to release the pressure on the steering column lock..   i have had this happen even to me...   wiggling the week will usually free the lock... if you use your left hand on the wheel and wiggling it...  and turning the key with the right..

best of luck...  post if you need more info...  

Alright, so I went to the junk yard today and found a ignition lock cylinder, and a ignition switch just in case. The only problem I am having is getting the ignition lock cylinder out of my car right now. I still can't turn it into position to release it. Is there an easier way to get around this with the casing, turn signal and window washer switch out of the way?. Or do I have to wait until I can turn it to remove it from the housing?  

i have been looking for an answer...  i did find that only gm sells new versions of the ignition lock cylinder..   gm part number 705353... and it comes uncoded..  so a locksmith with the wafers can install them to match the car key...

i have not even been able to get a look at it..   i have changed several of the switches.. but not the lock...  so i cannot tell you first hand how to get it out..

there have been other locks that were freed up with light tapping with a rubber mallet...    but i worry about damaging the key head with the transponder in it..  

alright... well i did use the rubber mallet, and it did allow the pins to reset. So i put the new ignition lock cylinder, and now it works, but now it doesn't fully turn over and keeps blinking theft?... do i have to reprogram it or can i take a wire out to turn off the theft?..  

yes it will have to be reprogrammed...

i think i saw the instructions over at autozone.com.. in their repair info..
clip....


30-Minute Learn Procedure
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF .

Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON . The vehicle will not start.

Observe the SECURITY telltale, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn OFF .

Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.

Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes. The vehicle is now ready to relearn the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK .


NOTE
The vehicle learns the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK . You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.


Start the engine. The vehicle has now learned the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or password.

With a scan tool, clear any DTCs if needed. History DTCs will self clear after 100 ignition cycles.


there is one other option...   buy a brand new uncoded lock cylinder from gm.. have them or a lock smith code it to your existing key... and install it...   do not let them swap parts from your old lock...   they will just be moving worn parts into the brand new lock..        there was somewhere in the back of my mind.. about taping the old key to the new key backwards and it would work... but i think that reprogramming the ecm will work...  

i am glad that you were able to do the swap..