My 1993 Buick Century was stolen the other day. It was recovered and towed. We went to pick it up at the tow yard, just to find that it wouldn't start. The little bastards had ripped the plastic off that was covering the steering column. The wires are all exposed and screwed up. The car won't go into park. It won't start with the keys. Apparently it can start with a screwdriver but we don't know how to do that. We tried to start it with the screw driver but we couldn't and now the power won't turn off. We're going to have to tow it to a mechanic but we have a limited supply of funds... Does anyone know what something like this might cost to repair??? Please... any opinions are greatly appreciated.....
2007-10-25 02:13:40 · 5 answers · asked by Cara 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Bad Seed is pretty correct...best to have the whole column replaced and make sure to get at least two new keys made for the new column ignition. Used columns run around 50-200.00 and labor might run a few hundred more. Insurance should cover the bill less your deductible. The actuating rod for the ignition switch is located on the side or top of the column under that plastic shroud and is how thieves can start your car. If you grip the rod with a pliers or visegrip, push that rod downwards towards the dash, it will start the car and pulling the rod away or upwards will bring it back to where the ignition shuts off.
2007-10-25 02:39:13 · answer #1 · answered by paul h 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normally when they shove a screwdriver in the switch it destorys the switch. Most of the time all you have to do is remove the steering wheel and remove the switch and any small parts that may be broken. But some times you can remove just the switch. there is a little hole above/below the key hole put a small wire that fits the hole and push as far as you can and turn the switch with a screwdriver, key or what ever turns it then pull switch out. Then go buy a new switch at dealer or maybe parts store. Switch comes with two keys. You can tke it to a mechanic and let him fix it. Shouldn't be too much money.
2007-10-25 05:14:43 · answer #2 · answered by tinner45 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the old ignition switch is completely out you should be able to see something like a gear or cog. Use the screwdriver to move this in one or other direction to either start or shut off. If they just punched the lock then you should be able to insert yours and just turn it. If the copper in the wires is exposed do not even attempt to start it as you could possibly short your whole system.
2007-10-25 05:07:32 · answer #3 · answered by pappyld04 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way to fix it is to replace the steering column..
you can get one from a wrecking yard around $50..
as for starting it now ..
there is a rod running down the side/ top push that rod toward the dash and it should start and run ..pull it back to turn it off
2007-10-25 02:28:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE COMPLETE JOB SHOULD RUN BETWEEN $200.00 TO $350.00 DEPENDING ON WHAT OTHER PARTS ARE NEEDED.
2007-10-25 02:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋