How do you replace an ignition switch on a 1992 Chevrolet truck?

Answer 1

It depends on what year. For 72 and earlier (in the dash) follow this. 1. Turn ignition switch to off position and leave the key in the switch. 2. Disconnect the battery. 3. Take a small dia. paper clip and insert it into the small hole in the face of the ignition switch. You will feel a small button that you depress. 4. While depressing the button, turn the key to the accessory position (counter clockwise) and using the key remove the cylinder. 5. You can now remove the bezel by unscrewing it CCW. 6. This will allow you to remove the ignition switch from the dash and disconnect the wire harness plug from the rear of the switch. I hope this helps someone. From an old gear head.

Answer 2

Over the past 30 years I've had a number of experiences with vehicle ignition switches. I would start by asking exactly what is the problem that leads you to believe you need a new ignition switch. I expect the answer to that question will guide the solution.

There are a number of solutions depending on the problem. Is the switch there but the key doesn't work? Does the key turn the switch to all of the positions but nothing happens? Do some things, radio - wind shield wipers - other electrical functions that depend for current on the ignition switch work but the car starter won't activate? The answer to the above question may indicate that the problem may not be the ignition switch at all but could be the starter solenoid or somewhere else.

Has some one been working on or just been messing with the wiring harness behind the switch? After a car gets some age on it there can also be connection and resistence problems at the back of the ignition switch.

As far as sources for an ignition switch replacement, there are several choices depending on what the real problem is and what you want in a solution.

Are you wanting to restore the ignition switch to its original function and appearance? You may be able to get a factory replacement switch either from a GM dealer or a restoration company. Auto salvage yards that deal with GM products can provide you with a duplicate of the original switch and with a key that fits for a price. NAPA or other auto parts stores can provide quality generic replacement ignition switches that will look different, will have a different shape key and will require you or someone else to reconnect the wires presently attached to the existing switch to the new switch - this may not be really easy without a specific wiring diagram for your vehicle.

Add a posting that explains exactly why you believe you need a new ignition switch-please be as specific with detail as you can- and I or perhapse someone else will give you more specific advice.

Answer 3

To gain access to the ignition switch on an Oldsmobile Alero you will need a 7mm socket, a socket extension, a small flat head screwdriver, and maybe a ratchet. First, remove the trim from around the gauge cluster by removing the two 7mm screws which are located on the upper part of the trim. Also, remove the harness that is connected to your trip reset button by using a small flat head and lightly prying up on the U piece of plastic which locks it in place. Tilt your steering wheel to the lowest position and remove the four 7mm screws that hold the gauge cluster in place (two on top, two on bottom). One piece of advise, if you are keeping track of your gas mileage, write down how many miles are on your tripodometer before going any further. Next, tilt and turn your gauge cluster so you can gain access to the harness attached to the rear. Remove it and store your gauge cluster somewhere it can't get broken. Lightly pull back on the trim surrounding your radio and climate control console. Remove the screws holding the radio in place and easily pull it out. You may want to leave the radio plugged in so it won't go into security mode, but I personally have an aftermarket radio and bought the car off of my brother with it in and it won't go into security mode (Anti-Theft). You may also need to lightly pull up on the plastic that surrounds the shifter to have more room to move the climate control trim around, and if you just want it out of the way use the flat head screwdriver to pop the pin out of the front side of the shifter, then pull up on the shifter which will remove it, and remove the trim. Don't forget to twist out the light and disconnect the ETS buttons harness.

Now you can see the screws holding the ignition switch in place. I know there are at least two, there may be a third but they are in plain sight with one being behind the radio trim to the left... All 7mm. If you can move the ignition towards the front of the car, you have all of them. This part can be a little tricky. The ignition switch can and does come out from where the gauge cluster was. On the bottom left rear side is the Park safety cable which tells the ignition Yes the car is in park and it will allow it to start, if its not in park it won't. Release it by using the small screwdriver to press the tab in, which will release it. Next disconnect both wiring harnesses by once again pressing in the tab with the small screwdriver. Insert your key, if it will turn, and turn it to run... All the way to the right without attempting to start the engine. On the ignition switch there is a small square hole located at the 5 o'clock position, near the bottom of the switch. With the key REMAINING in the run position, insert the small screwdriver into the opening and press in slightly. As you are doing that pull on the silver ring of the ignition which will pull the Ignition Cylinder free of the Ignition Switch.

Now, I have never removed the switch from my 2003 Alero. The reason being, there is a connector for the vehicles Passlock sensor which I have never tried to remove. You may be able to just pop it off, however I do not know. If you can replace the switch, I assume the connector comes right out so it can be put in the new part. The actual Passlock sensor is located on the Ignition Cylinder that you removed earlier.

When installing the new switch, make sure to turn the cylinder to the run position, or it will not slide in to the new switch. If your car continuously goes into security mode (flashing security light) and you are required to keep the key in the run position for 10 minutes before you can start it again, your problem is the Passlock sensor. To fix that do a search on Google for Alero Passlock Sensor Fix. There is a website dedicated to the fix and its straight forward, and only requires the purchase of a small resistor.

Now reassemble.......... Now I get to go back outside in the dark to put my entire dash apart... My problem is my fuel pump won't always turn on but it I slightly hit my dash it fixes it. Turned out that the switch is going bad. I popped the rear tan plastic piece off of the ignition switch to find contacts that were scorched and electrical smoke soot all over the plastics.

Answer 4

The ignition switch itself is on the top of the steering column next to the floor.(not in the steering column where the key lock is)There is a rod that runs from the key lock all the way down inside the column to the switch.It is a white rectangular switch that is secured by 2 small screws that screw in from the top.When removed you will see a rod sticking up from column that is positioned to slide into switch.When replacing,just remove old one and put on new one,placing that rod in the same position.After starting the 2 screws,the switch can be adjusted some by sliding the switch up and down on the column to get it in the correct position for off,on,start and lock positions.After it is positioned correctly tighten both scres down. If you wanting to replace the key lock at the top of column,you will have to remove horn button,steering wheel(by removing wheel nut),then while pushing down on the locking wheel plate,remove the O shaped lock ring around the steering shaft and tale lock plate out.Next remove turn switch lever,remove 3 screws that hold turn switch and pick it up and just lay it out of the way(you do not have to disconnect the wires)Next remove 1 screw that holds the lock in position and slide the lock set out.Reverse procudure to install a new key lock set.Hope this helps.It would help to have a wheel puller to take that wheel off though!!It is not as hard as it sound to do...

Answer 5

== == Give credit where credit is due. Taken from instructions in Haynes Repair Manual. For models 1968 to 1982. Good luck. 1. Before removing any switch, disconnect the battery ground. EARLY MODELS 2. Insert the ignition key in the lock. 3. Remove the screws that secure the Corvette cover plate to the top center of the instrument cluster. 3. Remove the ashtray and radio. 4. Turn the ignition key to the Acc position and then insert a piece of wire or a thin rod into the hole in the face of the lock cylinder. Depress the wire to actuate the plunger, at the same time turning the key counterclockwise until the lock cylinder can be withdrawn. 6. Unscrew the ignition switch bezel nut and remove the switch. 7. Using a screwdriver, release the anti-theft locking tangs and unplug the connector. 8. Snap the connector into the new ignition switch and install by reversing the removal operations. LATER MODELS 2. The ignition switch is mounted on top of the steering column jacket near the front of the dash. The switch is located inside the channel section of the brake pedal support and is actuated by a rod and rack assembly that is operated when the steering column lock is turned. 3. To remove the switch, first lower the steering column by releasing its upper and lower mounting bolts. The steering wheel need not be removed. 4. Turn the switch to the Off-Unlock position. 5. Place the gearshift lever in Neutral. 6. Locate the ignition switch, then move the slider two positions to the right from the Accessory to the Off-Unlock position. 7. Insert the actuator rod into the slider hole and attach it to the steering column with the two screws. Take care not to move the switch out of its detent. Do not overtighten the lower screw. 8. Raise the steering column and secure it.

Answer 6

If it is on the upper right side of the steering column you have to remove the battery post (one side), Horn ring or plate assembly, steering wheel, lock ring clip, turn signal assembly and a few other dodads until you get to the screw holding the ignition switch inside the column. Unscrew the bolt, remove switch. Install new switch ($20.00 or less and it has 2 new keys.). Replace retaining screw and replace removed items. There are several tools needed to pull off and reinstall the steering wheel and clip. I have seen people do this in ten minutes at impound car auctions where the key was missing from a vehicle they just purchased. Your local auto parts store may have everything needed to do this in their loaner tool program. You actually buy the tools but get a full refund if you return them in good condition and in a timely manner. From here you need some experienced hands on help or learn the hard way. LOL J

Smokingallowed says...The Ignition Switch is on the left side of the column. The Ignition Key Lock is on the right side of the column. The switch go bad often(they melt inside). There is a recall on them. Take it do the dealer let them run your VIN. They fix it, wont cost you a dime. They will put a relay between the starter(+) and the Ignition Switch. Apparently, staying hot 24/7 makes them melt and catch on fire....But DO the recall thing.

Answer 7

Open up the hood. Take off the negative battery terminal connection from the battery with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Reach behind the backside of the steering wheel and remove the two Torx bolts holding the airbag to the wheel, using the Torx socket and a 3/8-inch ratchet. Pull the airbag off the wheel and unplug the harness. Store it with the vinyl side of the airbag up.

Remove the center bolt on the steering wheel with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Bolt the steering wheel puller to the wheel with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Tighten the puller with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket until the steering wheel comes off the column. Remove the upper and lower column covers, using the Phillips screwdriver.

Unscrew the multifunction switch from the side of the column with the Phillips screwdriver. Unplug the switch and set it to the side.

Cut a notch into the bolts holding the clamp on the ignition switch and lock cylinder using the rotary tool with a cut-off wheel. Make the notch large enough to fit a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the screws using the flat-head screwdriver, then take the clamp off the ignition switch and the lock cylinder. Unscrew the switch from the lock cylinder assembly using the Phillips screwdriver, then take the switch out of the RAV4........Cheers Mates...

Answer 8

you will need a couple special tools for this job. one is a steering wheel puller. remove the steering wheel. then you have to remove the turn signal stalk. then remove the turn signal switch mechanism inside the steering column. then you need to compress the column locking plate to remove the wire ring around the steering shaft. after this its easy. pull the locking plate out and remove the screw holding the ignition switch in. replace switch and re-install in the reverse order. its easier to put together than get apart.

Answer 9

ignition switch is located on top of steering column you will need to drop column down to access it