1992 Pontiac Grand Am Starter

92GRANDAM

MEMBER
1992 PONTIAC GRAND AM
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
95,358 MILES

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a car guy so I'll do my best to describe my problem. The car starts fine however, the last time I started it I felt a snap when I turned the key. Now, when I start it there is no spring back once the engine is on and the key doesn't stay locked into place either remaining on the initial start position or turning the car off. In other words, the key doesn't keep in place. In order to drive my car I have to spend a few minutes delicately turning the key to make sure it stays in place to keep the engine on and not ruining the starter. Does anyone understand what I mean b/c I'm probably not using car language? And if so what's wrong, will it be a cheap fix and can I do it myself w/ the manual? Thanks for your advice
Best,
B

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello and thanks for donating

From what you have described, the ignition lock cylinder (the silver place where key inserts) has failed and will need replacing. This repair takes approx. 1 labor hour at a reputable repair shop and should cost no more than $300, including labor and brand new part. If you would like to try and replace the lock cylinder yourself, I can post replacement steps for you.I would not recommend trying this with no experience though, it does involve removing the steering wheel and steering column which can be dangerous while working around the SRS (air bag).

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Thursday, May 27th, 2010 AT 5:16 PM

92GRANDAM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ok, are there other things it may be? And if you wouldn't mind walking me through the steps I do have a friend who may be able to do this for me if I can give him an outline of the steps. Thanks again.

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Thursday, May 27th, 2010 AT 5:20 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

No not really. Replacement steps are below. You actually may not have to remove as much as I thought since you do still have the key.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the AIR BAG fuse.
Remove the left side insulator panel.
Disengage the two yellow 2-way SIR connectors.
Remove the tilt lever, if equipped.
Remove the upper and lower steering column trim covers.
Insert the key in the lock and turn it to the ON position.
Remove the lock cylinder by pushing against the locking button on the back of the bearing/housing assembly, and pulling outward.

To install:

Install he new lock cylinder into the housing. Gently push the lock cylinder into place while rotating counterclockwise.
Install the upper and lower column covers.
Install the tilt lever, if equipped.
Engage the two yellow 2-way SIR connectors.
Install the left side insulator panel.
Install the AIR BAG fuse.
Connect the negative battery cable.

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Thursday, May 27th, 2010 AT 8:25 PM

92GRANDAM