Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

10

Time Required

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Sections

1

  • Ignition Switch (Lock Cylinder Seperate)
  • 10 steps

Flags

4

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  • Back1988-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier

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Introduction

What you need

Step 1

              Ignition Switch (Lock Cylinder Seperate)
  • Before beginning, ensure that your model does not contain an airbag behind the steering wheel. Then, disconnect your car battery.
  • Pull off your horn button and locate the horn wire. Once found, twist the plastic keeper to remove.

Before beginning, ensure that your model does not contain an airbag behind the steering wheel. Then, disconnect your car battery.

Pull off your horn button and locate the horn wire. Once found, twist the plastic keeper to remove.

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Step 2

  • Locate the six “torx head” screws that hold the steering wheel to the steering wheel hub. Removing the screws is not necessary but will make the job easier.

Locate the six “torx head” screws that hold the steering wheel to the steering wheel hub. Removing the screws is not necessary but will make the job easier.

Step 3

  • Remove the steering shaft nut and pull off the steering hub. A steering wheel puller may be required. Use caution as the steering hub may pop loose. Next, remove the two “torx head” screws behind the steering hub that hold the two plastic covers together.

Remove the steering shaft nut and pull off the steering hub. A steering wheel puller may be required. Use caution as the steering hub may pop loose. Next, remove the two “torx head” screws behind the steering hub that hold the two plastic covers together.

Step 4

  • Remove the top half of the plastic cover with a strong pull.

Remove the top half of the plastic cover with a strong pull.

Step 5

  • Using locking pliers, unscrew the tilt-adjusting lever. Wrap a shop towel or dish cloth around the lever to prevent scratches.

Using locking pliers, unscrew the tilt-adjusting lever. Wrap a shop towel or dish cloth around the lever to prevent scratches.

Step 6

  • Remove the three “torx head” screws to release the plastic cover from the steering column.

Remove the three “torx head” screws to release the plastic cover from the steering column.

Step 7

  • Sit in the car facing the steering wheel. Lean to the left to locate the two “torx head” screws on the ignition. Remove these.

Sit in the car facing the steering wheel. Lean to the left to locate the two “torx head” screws on the ignition. Remove these.

Step 8

  • Using a flat head screwdriver, test the new switch. Do so by reconnecting the battery and turning the switch in either direction. The switch should turn smoothly and only kick back to the on position. After testing, disconnect the battery again. Take note of the tab on the case of the switch.

Using a flat head screwdriver, test the new switch. Do so by reconnecting the battery and turning the switch in either direction. The switch should turn smoothly and only kick back to the on position. After testing, disconnect the battery again. Take note of the tab on the case of the switch.

Step 9

  • Tab A goes into slot B, marked in the photo. Also note that just above the red circle is the end of the ignition lock cylinder in the off position. If yours is not in the off position, it should be.

Tab A goes into slot B, marked in the photo. Also note that just above the red circle is the end of the ignition lock cylinder in the off position. If yours is not in the off position, it should be.

Step 10

  • Repeat the steps in opposite order to put the steering wheel back together.

Repeat the steps in opposite order to put the steering wheel back together.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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Author

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                    islindsey

Member since: 06/22/2012

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eddie Richardson - Jan 10, 2016

Reply

How to change out the key switch 94 Cavalier

Terry Manning - Mar 3, 2016

Reply

Quick and easy fix! Thanks!

Forrest Sutton - Jun 1, 2016

Reply

Where can get a replacement ignition switch? Do stores carry them??

Mark A Branner - Jan 25, 2017

Reply

how do you get the switch cylinder out of column