Ignition

[jimmers]

Just curious if anybody knows how to take the ignition apart on a 90.

 

[LT4man]

Are you referring to the distributor at the rear of the engine? Or the ignition switch on the steering column?

 

[jimmers]

sorry i meant the ignition at the steering....i didnt know the other was considered an ignition.

 

[LT4man]

No problem. The distributor is responsible for distributing the spark (ignition) to the spark plugs.

The ignition key turns the lock cylinder to activate the ignition switch.
Do you want to replace the lock cylinder (what you put the key in) OR the ignition switch which is found towards the bottom of the steering column?

Let me know and I will help you!

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Gregory

 

[jimmers]

wow i really didnt know there was that much to it.

The problem is that my car wont start all the time, the battery and everything is fine but my igniton seems very loose (The part where you put the key in) I just want to take it apart to see if it is broken or somthing along those lines. I guess i would want to start with the part where you put the key, ot maybe even the whole thing if it isnt that hard to hopefully narrow this problem down.
Thank you very much for your help!!

 

[LT4man]

OK, now we are getting somewhere!

You will have to remove the steering wheel in order for you to remove the lock cylinder. Do have a steering wheel puller tool? If you do not, you can always borrow one from Auto Zone or Pep Boys or Murrays Auto Parts. Do you have any of those parts stores in your area?

After the steering wheel is removed, it is quite easy to remove the lock cylinder. You HAVE to use a puller for the steering wheel because the fit is tapered and if you try to remove the wheel by banging on it, you will ruin the wheel and the steering column. Big bucks to replace both! ad

BTW, do you have an air bag in the steering wheel?
Save The Wave!

Gregory

 

[jimmers]

yes i do have an airbag in the steering wheel.
I dont have any of those stores in my area but i may be able to borrow one from someone.

 

[Jeb]

I don't mean this as an insult but from reading this thread, it's my opinion that you would be well served to find a decent mechanic to change your ignition lock, especially if there is an airbag involved.

 

[jimmers]

its ok i didnt take it as an insult. Im just not sure if its the ignition. I just want to take a look at it and see. From reading different threads around here the problem that i am having seems to be the ignition. And the only way to learn this stuff is to do it myself. Id rather give it a try then taking it into a mechanic.
I've taken an ignition apart before but never on a corvette, so i just want to make sure before i try it, thats all.

 

[89vert]

I don't mean this as an insult but from reading this thread, it's my opinion that you would be well served to find a decent mechanic to change your ignition lock, especially if there is an airbag involved.

I agree. To much stuff in there that could be damaged and very expensive to replace if you break them. Tim

 

[LT4man]

OK, you have an air bag. Read this carefully:

1. Turn the steering wheel so that the wheel's are pointed straight ahead.
2. Turn the ignition to "Lock" and remove the key.
3. Disconnect both battery cables on your battery.
4. Remove "Air Bag" fuse from instrument panel fuse block. (should be a 15 amp fuse)
5. Remove lower trim panel on driver's side.
6. Remove Connector Position Assurance (CPA) from the inflator module (after removing the screws at the back of the steering wheel)
7. Remove both yellow SIR connectors located near the base of the steering column.

At this point you will be safe to work on the steering column. We certainly do NOT want the air bag to be exploding in your face! Right?

Save The Wave!

 

[jimmers]

No we dont want the airbag to go off at all!!! Thats exactly what i was looking for for. Thanks alot! I will feel better taking the wheel off now.

 

[LT4man]

I think you will be able to get to the root of your problem.
If you run into any other questions, please post here right away, and I will help you thru the process. As a matter of fact, I will be disassembling my column in the next couple of weeks. The bolts that keep the tilt mechansim tight have a tendency to loosen up (on all GM vehicles, not just Vettes ). You have to basically take everything apart, but once you put a little locktite on the threads, you do not have to mess with it again for the rest of your life. :L

Save The Wave!

 

[Jeb]

I think you will be able to get to the root of your problem.
If you run into any other questions, please post here right away, and I will help you thru the process. As a matter of fact, I will be disassembling my column in the next couple of weeks. The bolts that keep the tilt mechansim tight have a tendency to loosen up (on all GM vehicles, not just Vettes ). You have to basically take everything apart, but once you put a little locktite on the threads, you do not have to mess with it again for the rest of your life. :L

Save The Wave!

That might be a good thing for him to do while he has the column torn down.
http://www.chevyasylum.com/column/tiltcol.html is an excellent pictorial on the process of disassembling the steering column.

 

[LT4man]

I saw that tilt column page not too long ago. I could not for the life of me remember the site. Thanks very much for posting that again.

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