GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

   • Air bag deployment
   • Personal injury
   • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
   • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
   • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Disable the SIR. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.
  3. Apply the parking brake.
  4. Remove the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  5. Insert the ignition key and turn the ignition switch to RUN, continue to step 6 .
  6. If the keys are unavailable or the ignition lock cylinder is seized proceed with the following:


    Object Number: 762724  Size: SH
    5.1. Remove the fasteners securing the ignition switch to the IP retainer.
    5.2. Push and release the retaining tab at the rear of the ignition switch.
    5.3. Remove the ignition switch through the radio opening in the retainer.
    5.4. Protect the immediate work area with suitable material such as clean shop towels or a clean fender cover.
    5.5. Locate the surface for the ignition switch lock cylinder release button (2) on the plastic ignition switch housing and center punch a location (1) on the "rib" approximately 3/8 inch rearward (toward the key entry end) of the cylinder release button.
    5.6. Drill a pilot hole through the plastic housing with a 1/8 inch drill bit.
    5.7. Drill a larger hole at the pilot location, and slightly into the ignition switch lock cylinder surface to break the release button retaining spring using a 9/32 inch drill bit.
    5.8. Remove portions of the broken spring from the hole using a small suitable tool.
    5.9. Grasp the ignition switch lock cylinder and remove it from the switch housing.
    5.10. Remove any plastic "flash" from the drilling operation, and using compressed air blow out the ignition switch assembly, proceed to step 9.

    Object Number: 625660  Size: SH
  7. Look through the radio opening in the IP and locate the release button (1) on the side of the switch.
  8. Depress and hold the ignition lock cylinder retaining tab (located on the right lower side of the ignition switch), using a flat-bladed screwdriver or other suitable tool.

  9. Object Number: 291659  Size: SH
  10. Pull outward on the ignition cylinder (1) in order to remove the cylinder from the ignition switch.
  11. Remove the reader/exciter module from the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Theft Deterrent Exciter Module Replacement in Theft Deterrent.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the reader/exciter module to the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Theft Deterrent Exciter Module Replacement in Theft Deterrent.
  2. If ignition lock cylinder was previously seized, proceed with steps 2.1 through 2.4, if not go to step 3.
  3. 2.1. Turn the new ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position.
    2.2. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
    2.3. Slowly push the ignition lock cylinder into the ignition switch until fully seated.

    It may be necessary to slightly depress the release button as it passes by the 9/32  inch hole previously drill in the ignition switch housing.

    2.4. Reinstall the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement .
    2.5. Go to step 5.

    Object Number: 291659  Size: SH
  4. Insert the ignition lock cylinder (1) with the key installed into the ignition switch (2).
  5. Press the ignition lock cylinder into place.
  6. The lock cylinder retaining tab will produce an audible click when fully seated.

  7. Using light force, pull on the lock cylinder in order to ensure the lock cylinder is engaged and secured in place.
  8. Turn the ignition to LOCK, then remove the key.
  9. Install the radio. Refer to Radio Replacement in Entertainment.
  10. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  11. Inspect the ignition switch for proper operation in all positions.
  12. Release the parking brake.
  13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.