I take you along as I remove my ignition switch and cylinder from my 2003 Buick Regal GS. I'm not sure but this might apply to several other GM vehicles of the same era.
Thanks so much man. I still couldn't find a halfway decent video on how to do this, minus this video here. Keep up the great work, I know for a fact alot of diys like me, appreciate the time and effort you put into videos like this. Rock on
Finally I've found something that looks like it'll help. Thank you very much even if this doesn't solve my issues but pretty sure it will. All my lights on the dash are flashing when I get ready to crank it and if I try to use my turn signals the entire car shuts off. Common issues I've read says that it's the ignition switch or bad ground(more specifically the fuel pump one). Thanks again tho
Thanks I did it once before, but couldn't remember exactly how it went. When I searched, I couldn't find a decent video either...so I tried to make it as detailed as I could.
You only need to replace the switch, and no programming is required. I just made one video showing everything, but it's not required if it's only a bad switch.
I'm having a similar issue. The lock cylinder seems like it doesn't want to be removed, no matter how many times I stove a metal poker into that ridiculous "hole". Why bother if it has no correlation to the Ignition Starter Switch wire loom? Can the lock cylinder stay in its place?
Do you know what the wires attached to the key lock cylinder are for? Mine broke but the car still runs, security light is on but I'm not sure if thats why
Great well done video. I assume my 2000 century is similar enough. Hope this cures my strange starting issue. Oh, E Torx 6 piece sets including the E 4 and E 5 are available at HF for ten bucks.
Thank you. I think General Motors is a d!kk for including these particular bits on the Ignition Starter Switch. The everyday Joe could replace this part in 20 minutes, but nope! This requires a trip to your local tools shop or a whole week before an online order delivery for specific "inverted E security bits" parts that everyday people don't even have or knew existed. Screw you, General Motors for not just using T-15 bits or something. Seriously.
Hello, I have a Biuck 2001 and I lost the only key I had, so I bought a new cylinder in autozone and installed it with your help, but it still puts me on the safe screen and it turns off after a while, can you help me?
Hi, thank you for the video! Why didn't you just replace key cylinder, but also replaced ignition switch? Does ignition switch have any moving parts? Any specific symptoms when ignition switch needs replacement?
You have to remove the ignition cylinder to access the bolt that holds the actual ignition switch to the column. The key cylinder is only used to unlock the column, gear shift selector and hold on the chip reader (no electrical functions) The actual ignition switch ( black box and harness) is what controls all your electrical functions. Symptoms of a bad switch can very widely from car to car. Some of the symptoms are as follows. 1. Starter wont engage when you turn key, or you have to find a small area while turning before it will. 2.Dash lights, wipers , turns signals will all start flashing and going crazy while driving 3. Car will suddenly shut off for no reason while driving and nothing electrical will function. Hope this helps
@@jeremyrowe743 Thank you, this is very helpful! Do you know whats inside the black box of ignition switch? If you disassembled it a photo would be super helpful. I wonder if its safe to load test it. Sounds like there may be a board inside
@stran1239 I'm pretty sure there is a board inside ( I don't have any at the moment) there isint a test procedure to test if I remember correctly ( that would be something I usually do before replcing) but I wasn't able .
I've got a 1997 Buick Century and I need to replace that plastic ring that surrounds the ignition part where the key is inserted. Its function is to hold the ignition in place. Trouble is, I can't search for a replacement part without knowing what to call it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hey so the plastic part of the cylinder broke off a little while ago for me, do I have to go through all of this to just put on a new one or do I have to take it all off? To give a bit more detail I’m literally just talking about the black plastic part on the outside with the 2 prongs sticking out that holds the switch. I know this video was made a while ago but I would really appreciate an answer. Please and thank you!
If it just the outside ring with the chip reader...no. You should be able to just remove the clam shell and unplug it, then replace it with a new (or used) one
Is it better to pull everything you pulled so you don’t have to reprogram? The very first black piece you pry off is broken on mine. The wires are just hanging. Can I just replace that piece?
Are you talking about the piece that the key goes into( with two white wires)? Thats the chip reader and the car won't start without it. You should be able to just replace this piece ( if thats your issue) without having to replace the rest,and your original key should still function.
Yes, that is the part that is missing. Your thumbs press on it to turn the key. The original key will no longer start the car but the spare which is original pair will. The dealer wanted $380 to replace ignition and program.
hey dude when you say "push down on this " to remove the lock cylinder, do you think it would be to much to ask that you show us where your putting the screwdriver?
How does anyone watch this video and not compliment Jeremy on his mechanic's attire...cartoon print PJs and Muck boots?!?!? And how about the fact it looks like it might be damn cold outside?!?!? Awesome video! Thank you very much for taking the time to do that. Helps me out a lot as I evaluate the purchase of a used Regal with this issue. Well done!!! PS...is that a Sesame Street character?
There are no wires attached to the lock cylinder. There are wires attached to the chip reader ( in the cylinder cover) or the the steering lock solenoid. Give me a time stamp of what area your talking about, and I'll try and help.
Do you know how to get it out if you are missing the key to be able to turn it to push that pin for it slide out? Need to replace the lock cylinder due to missing keys.
Unfortunately the only way is to drill out the key tumblers with a hardened Cobalt bit, then you will be able to turn the cylinder and push in the pin. I would try taking your ownership into the dealer. They should be able to get you a key cut with the proper anti theft chip.
You will have to drill out the lock part of the cylinder, once you've done that you should be able to turn the cylinder and press the pin in to remove it. You can buy a new cylinder with a key chipped to your bcm ( body control module) from the dealer, or lock Smith that is able to do keys with chips.
I lost the for my 2004 Buick Century , I took my title and drivers licence to a GM dealership and they cut me another key for 35.00 and also cut a key for the doors and trunk for 5.00 . The chip in the key is just resistor , the Vin # on the title not only is proof of owner ship of the car , but has all the data for the car . Hope that helps !
I have a 2000 buick regal ls I replace ignition switch key cylinder and it will crank but my security indicator light stays on when running and driving the car. I want to know how to get the light out?
Hey dude. My 95 century has trouble starting, i replaced the starter with a refurb a few months ago. Its been so long since i did it i doubt the shop would give me a new one if its the starter thats bad. Most of the time, i have to turn my key 3 to 4 times, occasionally more, to get my car to turn over. When the starter needed to be replaced, i noticed a certain sound it made when it wasnt starting, i dont notice the same noise with my issue now. A guy at napa had me turn the key back and bypassed the switch by jumping the selenoid, and with this conclusion told me it was the starter, not tue switch. But recently, my dash lights, not the indicator lights like check engine and stuff like that, but my illumination lights no longer work and my clock radio light turns off when i turn the headlights on. When i do it blows the fuse in my panel. I thought i had another new problem, but upon researching, the dimmer switch for the dash is directly linked in with the ignition switch replacement part. How is it that bypassing the switch by jumping the selenoid will indicate that you need a new starter and not a switch, but something directly connected to my switch has now also gone bad, indicating to me that the ignition switch is what is failing? My buick is a 95 and i watched a video of a guy replacing his switch on a 93, he has to remove the entire airbag module, which makes me a little nervous to do. Since the dimmer doesnt work it seems like i should replace the switch. What do you think?
Unfortunately I don't have any experience with your generation of Buick, so I don't want to give you bad information by guessing. Good luck with resolving you issue...I understand how frustrating it can be.
Talking left ✋ Tripod is a plus making videos. Maybe a right shoulder tripod. Right tripod tool for the gig. The effort you put in the video Makes fixing the steering wheel lock 🔐 ez. #thankyou 👍
This video just saved me a lot of money. I can't believe that I was able to pull it off. Everything works great. Thank you very very much for helping me "ut"!😂🤘 PS I'm not even a mechanic
@@mike382231 yes I did have to reprogram the key. This was all new to me. I watch this guy's video on how to replace everything and I was able to figure it out and I thought I was in the clear. Once it did not work I did a little bit more research and found another little video on how to program a key when necessary. Reprogramming is done by turning the key on and the security light should blink, leave the key on for 10 minutes then turn it off for 60 Seconds. The key might be programmed at this point but most likely you have to do this procedure two more times. 10 minutes on 60 seconds off, 10 minutes on 60 seconds off, 10 minutes on 60 seconds off. After the third round, my car cranked up beautifully and I was super happy. Good luck
Similar issues. No visible spring loaded pin. I'm "stabbing" at solid metal with a metal poker. Needless to say, the lock cylinder is still in place, but I fear my OEM ignition key could potential be destroyed doing this.
I see there are two ignition switches, one for a console shift, and one for steering column shift. I have a console -- is the ignition switch for that located in steering column or in the console?
How did you diagnose this as the issuse? Im getting nothing from my ignition but i feel the relay switch click but the starter isnt dojng anything.... thinkings its ignition area
We have an 01 Buick regal that the ignition key will not turn to the off position, we are using a small rod to reach up to the bottom of the steering column to push a release on a white cylinder apparatus that you showed removing in your video for changing out the ignition,
I had the exact same problem on my Buick. I lubricated it, took it apart, cleaned it, played with it several times. In the end I just zipper tied the pin down...now it has worked fine for two years without any problems. I think the issue is wear on the shifter mechanism and it doesn't think it's in park or neutral ( so it doesn't allow you to remove the key) because it thinks your in gear. My wife hasn't noticed a difference since I bypassed it.. Except the key turns back and is removable without being frustrated.
@@jasoncaldwell9471 YES In you case changing the cylinder(ignition) won't solve you issue...its the silver magnetic cylinder with the plunger ( caused by the shifter mechanism) At least that's my opinion. like I said, since I bypassed its function my wife has had no issues.
@@christopherroberts3646 Couple things to try...move the steering wheel around while you try and insert it.There is a push button on the bottom of a silver cylinder with a white top at 9:10 of video, push it from bottom( brass looking beside wire plug) try these first and let me know
Hi my 2003 buick rendezvous steering wheel locked and when I put my key in the ignition it wont turn...did I accidentally activate anti theft mode ?Or could it be the ignition cylinder...i broke one key trying to get it to turn so i had to make another
It's probably the parking lockout solenoid 9:10 in the video. You can pull a small round cap off under the column on the right hand side, then push a small screwdriver or pin up to release it (and get your keys out) The more permanent solution is to lock the pin down on the solenoid by taping it or using a zip tie ( how I repaired my wife's car) The video shows how to pull off the column cover and remove the solenoid to do this. Hope this helps
What were the symptoms you were having? I have an ‘04 Century and initially I started having issues with the cruise shutting off on its own intermittently. Then I noticed that the climate control would stop working at times but usually will come back on shortly or if I turn the dials it will come back on. I figured they were separate issues but recently I turned the fan speed dial and the cruise light came on in the cluster but the cruise did not engage. I saw someone suggesting an ignition switch was possibly to blame when their car had the same symptoms but they never confirmed if that fixed their problem.
Our cars lights and wipers would come on and off intermittently, it would shut itself off without warning while driving. it wouldn't start, then start after 10 tries. On other cars we've had the symptoms were similar to what you describe with flickering instrument lights. I've found that usually when you have intermittent electrical gremlins involving the cluster, the switch is to blame...good luck!
These were just the final generation of the Regals that were made in North America. They've been produced in China ever since. The Chinese versions were actually sold in the U.S.A. from 2011 through 2020 (model years).
@@thelastgreatmick China did continue with what we refer to as the 97 through 2004 style for a number of years beyond 2004, but the Chinese versions were never sold in the US.
No You need to remove the column cover, insert key, push pin in, and pull out the key cylinder. Just follow the instructions in the video that show that process...good luck.
Stabbing the little "hole" on the lock cylinder while turning the ignition key forward does NOTHING (short of snapping your OEM ignition key in two pieces, potentially!). There is no visible release tab on the cylinder, and the metal poker is basically just metal-on-metal "stabbing". What gives? Is it possible to replace a new Ignition Starter Switch without having to remove the lock cylinder?
@@jeremyrowe743 I will try it in a few days. I'm kind of glad that I was not able to remove it. There are quite a few comments from people saying they are unable to put the lock cylinder back where it was after removal! 😳
There's two options. There is a little pin on the top that locks the cylinder in the barrel, if you can break it drill that pin the cylinder will come out.I haven't had much luck with this method. The second is drilling out the key barrel. Remove the broken peices and you will be able to turn the cylinder and push the lock pin in to disengage it from the column.
how do I know if it's the ignition switch or starter? I have a 98 Buick century and the car won't start but it's not the battery. the ignition has been feeling a bit weird and lots of flashing lights on the dash. I truly appreciate any help. Thank u!!!!
The fashing lights, wipers acting weird, blinkers going haywire, are usually a good indicator that the ignition switch is bad. On these cars the ignition switch is separate from the key cylinder...when you watch the video I show the separate steps on removing both. If you want to take the starter out of the equation, run power directly to it bypassing the ignition, if it works you know the problem is in the wiring. Good luck
I have an 02 buick lesabre i was driving my daughter to school and it cut off but won't start back up i tried to jump it but no luck the lights radio and wipers come on please help i just had a csection 2 weeks ago and i need to know whats wrong with the car i need it
@@leishamintz3660 I'm sorry to hear about your bad luck. While its difficult for me to diagnose your issue without looking at it...it sounds like your starter has gone bad. If I have time after work, I'll try and make a video on how to diagnose a bad starter and upload it in a few days. You need to jump the solenoid to see if it turns over, that will eliminate your wiring.Another thing you can try is hitting the starter with a hammer a few times. Sometimes the get stuck on a bad spot, but if this is the case it will only work a few times before the starter is completely dead. I wish I could be of more help, but hope this information might be of use...good luck
A flat head screwdriver or pry bar Nut driver( looks like screwdriver) but the end takes 1/4 sockets Or 1/4 in ratchet and extension E4 +E5 reverse torques sockets 7mm+10mm sockets Small straight pick or thin nail (For pin on lock cylinder) A trim tool would also help Maybe a Phillips screwdriver
There is a small round plug on the bottom of the steering column. Remove the plug and push up on the plunger with something long and thin ( like a small Philip's screwdriver) I've used this method in the past to get a stuck key out...try it and see if it works.
You can see the exposed pin at 9:07 of the video, if you push up this pin and you can remove you key, tape or zip tie it in the up position permanently to prevent it from happening in the future. This is to stop you from removing the key while in drive, but it malfunction sometimes...I've bypassed it many time with no problems.
There is a small round plastic cap on the underside of the column( near the key cylinder)remove it and push up with a small screwdriver or pin. Your park lockout solenoid is probably bad and this will allow to turn and remove the key.
What a great job with this video!!You obviously have a kind heart to take the time to do this on a cold day. You must be Canadian, right? Some of the nicest people I've ever met. Lived in Toronto for a year and love visiting western Canada as well. Take care, God bless and thanks for the help! From the Michigan Upper Peninsula!
Thanks for the kind words I was born and lived 60 km north of Toronto in a town called Barrie.So yes...I am Canadian,and I'm used to working in the cold in my Muppet pants.
The muppet pants make a bold.statement! Said it was a parts car, he's at the boneyard in his Animal jammies!!! Refreshing to see a guy this secure in his manlyness?!! U and Animal party on!
I believe it's called the transmission interlock cylinder( it won't allow the key to come out because it thinks the car is in gear when it goes bad) Mine malfunctioned so I taped the pin down. You can also access it under the the column through a round cap( after removing it) on the bottom right side and push up on it with a screw driver to remove your keys keys if your cylinder won't turn all the way back
jeremy rowe ya I’m having that problem right now. I was looking to change the part itself but I can’t find it anywhere. I might go with the tape method.
@@mpenney the problem might not even be in the cylinder ( mine wasn't) I tried several off my parts cars and they didn't work...probably some sort of issue with the shifter, at least in my case
If you dont have the keys, you can drill out the key cylinder, and that will allow you to turn it and remove as the video shows. The cylinder needs to be turned forward so you can push in the retaining pin, and remove the lock cylinder.
I just got a 2001 Buick LeSabre I just got a car they said that it's because of the security it has a key they had a key made for it but I guess they need the key that has a chip is it possible to bypass that
If your using the original lock cylinder or key you dont have to, if you replace the key and cylinder...yes. You can bypass the system by attaching you old key to the sensor and use a regular non chipped key, or solder in resistors. Hope this helps.
It's quite common. If your your lights and wipers ever start flashing and acting strange, interior lights and radio stays on after removing the key, you will know what the problem and repair is.
You can buy an new key cylinder with a new key and replace it, but you need a chip for your cars body control module. Some lock Smith's can do it, but you might need to go to the dealer. If your lock cylinder isint damaged you can go right to the dealer and the can cut you a new key with the proper chip already programmed off you vin number. There are also videos showing you how to bypass the bcm key lockout then you can just buy a generic lock cylinder and key. Hope this helps
@3ds max , not true. The dealer just made me a key for my 1998 Buick Century, based off the vin for $35.00, and they'll make door keys based off the vin for $3.00. Just bring your registration and drivers license.
I would suggest you go to the dealer and they can cut you a new one with the proper chip through your vin number. A local locksmith might be able to do the same. As a last resort you can drill out the the lock cylinder, but you will need to buy a new cylinder and get a chip that matches your body control module and a new key cut anyway.
