replacing ignition key tumbler

[Spooled231]

Well, Ive committed the ultimate Buick sin. I have lost my keys to my car and have tore the house, truck, tool box, and car all apart looking for them the past week. Its coming down to the point where I will have to replace the ignition tumbler in the column and also replace all the door locks. Has anyone written out the procedures in replacing the tumbler in the column? the door and trunk are pretty brainless and easy to do. Or I can have a locksmith make me a new set if he can figure it out.

Thanks
John Martin
1986 Buick T-type
10.91 @ 123.6

 

[87 Pete]

I picked up an ignition key and cylinder for about $12 at Pep Boys. My original was balky, and eventually stopped working altogether. As a bonus, the accessory key position (which never worked on my car) was also was fixed by replacing the ign. cylinder.

You will need a steering wheel puller and probably a lock plate removal tool, I think those cost me another $20 or so.

The ignition switch came with directions, and the whole swap took less than an hour, and I had no prior experience with this.

Sorry I don't have more details, this was a couple years ago.

Good luck!


Pete

 

[BlackBandit]

You might be able to have a locksmith make one. Or if you want to replace the tumbler it's not that hard. Just go to your favorite autoparts store and buy a new one for $12.99. Then take off the steering wheel. (oh wait! I almost forgot, unhook the negetive battery cable ) Anyway, get the tool to depress the locking plate (not sure of it's exact name but you can buy an el cheapo for around $10 if a buddy doesn't have one) and remove the wire ring that holds it in place. This is the hardest part of the job. After that, unscrew the little screw that the winshield washer lever uses to actuate the turn signal switch and remove it. Then undo the three screws that hold the turn sig switch in and swing it out of the way. You'll see a screw that holds your ignition tumbler in. (there are actualy two screws right next to each other. One looks like two other screws that are left in, I think they're silver, and the other I believe is black and is the only one left that looks like it.) Unscrew it and the tumbler pulls right out. Installation is the reverse of removel. Hope this helps.

 

[1badTTA]

Why not just go down to your local Buick dealer with the title or registration and have them cut you a new set of keys off the VIN. Total cost will be less than $8 and shouldn't take more than about 20 minutes. Make sure you can prove that it is your vehicle by showing the title or registration, otherwise they will tell you to go get bent. If they don't ask for proof, walk out into the lot and write down a VIN and bring it back in for another set of keys, that always gets the managers attention

 

[turbofish38]

Your Buick dealer cant run the VIN for key codes on vehicles older than 1989. AutoZone will rent you the lock plate press and wheel puller for free. Follow BlackBandits instructions. Only dont buy a new lock. When you get your old lock out on the outside the key code is stamped, should look like 8M76 for example. Take that code to a locksmith or a GM dealer and they should be able to cut you a new key. This should cost you less than $10. Unfortunetly they dont stamp the codes on the door locks so you will have to replace those.

Eric Fisher