Questions and Answers
1991 Chevy Cavalier - Revisited
Q. I have asked you two questions now and have gotten prompt responses on both. Thank you - I appreciate it. My first question was the 'Overheating Camaro' question. Well I fixed that problem, but unfortunately someone else decided they wanted that car and tried to steal it causing $2000 in damage that I had to pay for. So I put that into storage and bought the Cavalier, which is already giving me problems.
Now I have a more serious problem with the ignition in the Cavalier and I'm guessing it's related to the electrical problem. I went to start it today, but the ignition switch would not move forward to start it. After awhile I was finally able to get it unstuck and start it, but I had to use quite a bit of elbow grease to accomplish this. What needs to be fixed? Is it the ignition switch or lock?
Also, If possible, I'd like to try and fix it myself due to a serious lack of funds at the present time. Exactly how complicated of a job would this be?
A. Hello again Chad. The two problems could be related, but somehow I don't think they are. The lock cylinder and the ignition switch are two separate parts.The ignition switch is located down on the steering column near the floor. That can be replaced fairly easily. The lock cylinder is much more difficult (It has to be or the car would be too easy to steal) because it locks the steering as well. You would have to take the steering wheel off, (need a steering wheel puller) then the steering wheel lock plate (another special tool). It is not an easy or fun job, even for a professional.
On the bright side you may not need the lock cylinder. Most times the problem is the steering wheel lock plate is holding the bolt for the steering lock. If the key is hard to turn, jiggle the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key. Another possibility is the key is worn out. If you have another key, try it and see if it works any better. Look in the glove box, sometimes you can find a key number and you can have a new key made. Lacking that, you can go to a Chevy dealer and they can look in their database for the key number. Duplicating the old key will not work because it just copies what you have, a worn out key. I think one of these will allow you to turn the key. If not, then you will need to replace the lock cylinder.
