Expert: Rob Painter - 11/8/2010

Question
I replaced the key cylinder and had a new key made, When i try to start my car nothing happens , it seems like there is no spring back when you turn the key, all of lights come on but it won't turn the engine over , is ther another switch that needs to be replaced or what ?

Answer
Hello,

First, I don't know why you wasted the ridiculous money you probably paid for the keys and you can't take them back once they are cut. The wires commonly break in this junk anti theft system anyway and the system ends up getting bypassed anyway.


You have one of two things going on. Either the true electrical ignition swith problem under the dash on top of the steering column or a bad rack (known as D ring because thats what cops called it when broken for theft. Its rare, but I have replaced some broken ones.

To fix, it requires almost totl disassembly of the steering column to change a $25 part and very few know how to rebuild colums. Its an art and most the guys at the dealer are too young to know how to do it as well.

You can't go junkyard column because of the anti theft system.

The job requires special tools as well. I do rebuild them when they are pulled out and sent to me.


Http://www.autotheftexpert.com

Hello Mark,

I wanted to revise my answer for more clarity and don't want you to think I was trying to solicit business.

Here is the problem- anyone not familiar with rebuilding columns can get into trouble real quick disassembling a steering column and if the column gets partialy taken apart, the bearing housing must be removed with a pivot pin remover. If the pins are siezed, you will break the puller and you will need to use a tungstun drill bit to remove it in this very hard steel.

I stated you could not use a junk yard column, but there is a reason I said that. Again partial dissassembly to both columns could be done, but you need a steering wheel puller and a lock plate compression tool.

There are strict instructions I could offer and they can't be diveated from.
My personal email is robo14@aol.com.

The lock cylinder needs to be replaced with yours. Steering wheel has to be at 3 o clock to be removed. You need to secure the airbag clock spring with tape, and you need to use your clockspring.

My concern is the mechanical ability as it relates to steering columns.


Let me know and I will help you where I can.