For people who know a thing or two about cars. Can this be done yourself or do you have to take it somewhere?

Question

I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand AM SE. For a while the key would stick. when i would park and put it into park and turn the key the motor would shut off but the key would go all the way down to where i could pull it out and the lights and the display lights would stay on. Finally one day I could not get the key out at all! I looked around and purchased an ignition lock w/ keys that would fit this car. (it is an automatic) but then someone told me that it wouldnt work if we put it in bc it is something that has to be done at a shop bc of a security thing, it supposedly has to be programmed or something. but a friend of mine said that is not true that is only for fords. and if i can put it in myself, how do i take out the old one? we looked at it and cant figure it out! my friend needs a diagram showing how or something and ive searched all over online and cant find anything that helps him! please tell me anything you can about this and if you have any other questions feel free to email me!

correction: the key WOULDNT go all the way down when i turned it and the lights would say on.

Answer 1

simple - first look at ur key if it has a large plastic head on it or a small black square with a piece of metal in it half way down the key then it is chipped or has a resistor in it - u need to go to a dealer - if its a flat regular old key then u can attempt this -

if its a flat key - look under the steering column cover - you might see 3 - 4 screw holes use a flashlight to look up in these holes - if all of the ones in line with your ignition r filled with screws u will have to remove them and cover be careful - if u see an empty hole this is an access hole for a pick. insert key turn to run not crank - insert pick (any thin POINTED stiff obect will do) u might even see the little circle ur aiming for with the flashlight - then wiggle the ignition out - put key in new ignition and turn to run then insert then turn off to lock it in place (ps no pick needed for install ) - game over -good luck

Answer 2

Sounds like something is jamming inside. There is a gear and rack inside that moves when you turn the key. To access this you have to pull off the plastic cover under where the key goes in. You have to put the key in and turn it to the on position and there should be a pin that you can push up to release the key and tumbler assembly. When you get this out you should see the rack and gear. Check this out first. You may have to pull the steering wheel to look further. As far as the key goes there is a good chance it has a computer coded key. I would have to see the key to tell you. A Haynes manual would have more info if you need it. Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

This is a chronic GM problem, usually caused by (and I kid you not) too many keys on a key chain. The weight actually wears the inner lock cylinder out. If your vehicle is equipped with a security key, (the key actually has a microchip in it) you will have to let Mr. Goodwrench change it for you. The ignition switch is located on the lower end of the steering column and is probably OK. It's the lock cylinder that is worn. I would highly recommend letting a qualified mechanic handle this.

Answer 4

I am not familiar with that model. I have changed one on an S-10. As long as you don't have to worry about electronics, you can do it yourself. Get a manual or go to a good library. You can borrow the tools from the same auto parts store which sells the new ignition switch. It is not too tough. Be ready to buy more stuff if you break something. I had to buy another turn signal cam. It was still MUCH cheaper than having a mechanic do the work.

Answer 5

In a scale from too easy to very hard I would give this a medium rate.

It is a job for a car's locksmit, they keys mechanism are tricky and you may require special tools to disengage a key barrel.

In the other hand if you want to cancel the steering wheel's key and install and additional ingition lock that's a medium task that you can do if are familiar with car's electric systems. You need to connect a minimum of 4 or 5 wires depending on your car's model and make some shuts and pull out some wire connectors with many wires that are under your steering wheel.

Answer 6

Please go to the biggest public library in your city and look at the repair manual for free. You can learn how to take off the steering wheel and remove the locking/starting switch and repair your vehicle yourself. It sounds like the key lock/switch tumblers are jamming the key inside it. Good luck...pcr

Answer 7

I pay attention to my iPod the entire way. BQ: At a table at a cafe :P BQ2: My telephone and money BQ3: i do no longer rather get your query, yet what i hit upon to be romantic is a guy in simple terms being great candy, continuously sorting out for me, and being my protector. i'm slightly a hopeless romantic, haha

Answer 8

This repair requires several specialized tools and some know how. Don't try it at home

The steering wheel and turn signal mechanism have to be removed on most GM cars, VERY difficult to do.

Answer 9

Not familiar with GM products. Either you, or your friend could visit http://www.flatratetech.com/forums/index.php?showforum=20. There, you will have GM techs who are able to answer your questions. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

If you have everything lined up.It should like just fall in.About the key code thing that is ford.So don't worry about that.