1988 buick regal. My key cylider has worn out. How do I remove it and replace it?

Question

I'm a disabled vet and can not afford to have someone else do it. Do not want to ruin that area and have to use a hot wiring method> It will still start it and run it just no easy way to shut it down cuz the coils are way down in the front and hard to get too especially when it is running. Maybe there is an easy accesswire to shut it down I could install a switch in. Help. Gov does not pay us enough to use mechanics.

Answer 1

Here is a photo of what the '88 Buick Regal ignition starter switch lock cylinder looks like: http://info.rockauto.com/SMP/SMPDetail3.html?US126LB.html The cylinder costs about $16.

This is a photo of the ignition switch that the lock cylinder fits into: http://info.rockauto.com/SMP/SMPDetail3.html?US141.html It costs about $33.

Here are the instructions for replacing the lock cylinder and switch:

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

If equipped, properly disable the SIR system, as outlined in Section 6 of this manual.

Remove the left side lower trim panel.

Remove the steering column-to-support screws and lower the steering column.

Unplug the dimmer switch and turn signal switch connectors.

Remove the wiring harness-to-firewall nuts.

Remove the steering column-to-steering gear bolt and remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Remove the combination switch.

Place the lock cylinder in the RUN position.

Remove the steering shaft assembly and turn signal switch housing as an assembly.

Using the terminal remover tool No. J 35689A or equivalent, label and unplug the wires F and G on the connector at the buzzer switch assembly from the turn signal switch electrical harness connector.

With the lock cylinder in the RUN position, remove the buzzer switch.

Place the lock cylinder in the ACCESSORY position, remove the lock cylinder retaining screw, and remove the lock cylinder.

Remove the dimmer switch nut/bolt, the dimmer switch, and the actuator rod.

Remove the dimmer switch mounting stud (the mounting nut was attached to it).

Remove the ignition switch-to-steering column screws and the ignition switch.

Remove the lockbolt screws and the lockbolt.

Remove the switch actuator rack and ignition switch.

Remove the steering shaft lock and spring.

To install:

To install the lockbolt, lubricate it with lithium grease and install the lockbolt, spring and retaining plate.

Lubricate the teeth on the switch actuator rack, install the rack and the ignition switch through the opening in the steering bolt until it rests on the retaining plate.

Install the steering column lock cylinder set by holding the barrel of the lock cylinder, inserting the key and turning the key to the ACCESSORY position.

Install the lock set in the steering column while holding the rack against the lockplate.

Install the lock retaining screw. Insert the key in the lock cylinder and turn the lock cylinder to the START position and the rack will extend.

Center the slotted holes on the ignition switch mounting plate and install the ignition switch mounting screw and nut.

Install the dimmer switch and actuator rod into the center slot on the switch mounting plate.

Install the buzzer switch and turn the lock cylinder to the RUN position. Push the switch in until it is bottomed out with the plastic tab that covers the lock retaining screw.

Install the steering shaft and turn signal housing as an assembly.

Install the turn signal switch. Install the steering wheel to the column, and tighten the steering shaft nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm).

Install the steering column in the vehicle. Connect all electrical leads. Install the lower trim panels.

Connect the negative battery cable.

If equipped, properly enable the SIR system, as outlined in Section 6 of this manual.

Check steering column operations.

Answer 2

If it has an air bag which I am not sure but don't believe it does, take it to a mechanic, or disconect the battery and maybe read up on how to remove the bag assembly. You do not need to unplug anything from the distributor to do this, the distributor has absolutely nothing to do with the ingnition cylinder. I believe the steering column is very similar to 73-87 CK series Chevy trucks, these are what I am drawing my answer on as I have never actually done a Regal. If you like you can disconnect the battery but you don't have to. Pull the horn button, might pop off, might have screws from the back side. remove the horn stuff etc., remove the wheel nut. You will need a steering wheel puller, you can rent them at Auto Zone etc. Pull the wheel, there is a steering wheel lock plate held in place by a snap ring around the steering shaft. You will need a lock plate removale / install tool, this too should be availible at Auto Zone or your local parts store. If not you might be able to borrow the specilty tools from a mechanic or local car hobiest. Use the lock ring removal / install tool to press the lock in. Use a couple of 90 degree picks to pull the snap ring up and off the shaft. Once the lock plate is out of the way you will be able to see the directional switch etc.There is a screw in the middle of the hazard flasher switch, remove that and the botton etc. There will be some screws in there that hold the directional handle and directional switch in place, remove them, you can leave the wiring connected just lay over to side. Once you have pulled the directional switch up a little way, you should See a small screw or bolt on the bottom edge of where the cylinder comes in from the right side. Remove it and the cylinder should pull right out.
Thank you for your service to our great country.

Answer 3

1988 Buick Regal

Answer 4

wire in a toggle switch and push button switch off the same wires that you start it with. or remove the two blots that hold the column to the dash and see if the arm on top moves with the key sometimes the screws that hold the switch come loose and just need to be tightened. adjust it so it will move with the key .here is a link to help http://en.allexperts.com/q/Oldsmobile-Buick-Repair-826/suddenly-t-start-88.htm

Answer 5

look at the distributor,does it have a hot wire plugged into it?it should be a red wire,unplug it,and it will shut down.to change the switch,you have to remove the steering wheel.

Answer 6

i'm no longer asserting that's the respond, yet while the foot brake (while stopped) isn't depressed until now putting into park it may reason the trans detent for the ignition cylinder lock to bind. the comparable additionally applies if between the front wheels is binding on a lessen from a comfortable roll of no longer putting the emergency brake until now moving into park.

Answer 7

sorry i cant give you a direct answer seeing that you're a vet, i'm heading to marine corps basic training on june 25 so i hate not being able to tell you myself
try www.w-body.com/forum and ask some of the people there and im sure they'll help you.