Ignition Switch Replacement Help

PyroLithic · 10-17-2005, 06:25 PM

I'm attempting to replace/repair the ignition switch harness on my 97 Buick Regal GS. I have the panels removed and the bottom part of the harness off but I can't seem to get the top part of the harness near the key off... Any help would be appreciated.

BNaylor · 10-18-2005, 02:09 PM

BEFORE BEGINING THIS REPAIR REMOVE THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL FROM THE BATTERY. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO THE REPAIR WITHOUT DOING THIS.

Look inside the slot where the tilt steering knob is located. There is a black metal piece where the knob inserts into the tilt mechanism. Pry it back slightly with a small screwdriver. One from an electronics tool set will work. While you have it pried, pull the knob out and it should release.

Remove the two screws from the bottom of the steering column cover and remove the cover.

Remove the two screws that hold the top steering column cover in place.

Insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn the key clockwise to the start position. Nothing will happen because you have disconnected the battery prior to starting this project. Lift the top steering column cover being careful not to break it because it is still held in place by the ignition key cylinder. You will see with your mirror near the back end of the cylinder housing a small hole. Stick a small allen wrench in the hole, this will release the key cylinder so that it can be pulled out. Once the key cylinder is removed the column top cover is free to be removed.

The black box below the key cylinder with all of the wires coming out of it is the ignition switch that you are changing. Look at the switch you have purchased for this repair. Notice that the small white plug with two wires attached has a tab on the side that can be pushed down, this is the release for the plug-in. Using your mirror you will see that plug-in against the ignition switch housing where it plugs in. Using a small screw driver press the release tab in against the plug and rotate the plug 90 degrees to the right to remove it. To do otherwise may break the plug.

Remove the plug from the white key release device by inserting a small screw driver and pressing the release tab on it.

Undo the two screws holding the ignition switch.

Undo the plug at the opposite end of the ignition switch by unscrewing the bolt in the center of the plug and unplugging it.

There is a black wiring plug on top and a gray one on the bottom of the ignition switch plug that need to be removed. This is done by prying the center of the plug case where it meets the ignition harness plug while sliding it forward.

Cut any tywraps holding the wire harness in place and feed it out of the dash.

To install do the reverse of the above, and tywrap the new harness into place. Be sure to properly align the key cylinder when replacing it in the housing and if the key will not come out of the cylinder there is a silver key release button at the bottom of the white device in front of the ignition switch. Press it and the key will come out. Also when replacing the ignition switch make sure that the slot in the switch is properly aligned with the corresponding part on the steering column that fits in the slot.

PyroLithic · 10-19-2005, 12:28 PM

Thanks alot... You saved me quite a bit of time.. I got the box out now I'm waiting for the new one.. Seems simple enough once you have all the right information. I tried my haynes manual but it seems with them; they don't have whatever you need...

BNaylor · 10-19-2005, 12:59 PM

You're all welcome. I'm just happy to see fellow Regal owners tackle the jobs DIY with success and saving money. The Haynes and Chilton are satisfactory references but not detailed enough and model specific.

The Helm's GM service manuals that I have aren't much better although the wiring diagrams are very helpful to include obd-ii diagnostics. But they are model specific.

The two procedures I provided were actually done and written up by Regal owners that did the work and were thoughtful enough to pass on and share the info. Good luck and hope all works out well.

topher32 · 08-18-2006, 05:33 PM

I am doing this on a 2002 regal LS and there is a slight difference. to get the top cover off, you will need a E-5 socket (Female T-30 driver) and there is a bolt just in front of the ignition cylinder that holds on the top cover. You cannot reach the hole to remove the cylinder without removing the top cover first. other than that it is the same directions.

I had a heck of a time trying to find the hole that is on top of the cylindar because the top cover does not move enough to see it.

topher

shop · 08-26-2008, 10:35 AM

topher i am trying to remove top cover to replace ign swtch & can not get cover off could you please advise - 1999 regal - & can not find lock swtch release to remove cylinder thanks - BR

BNaylor · 08-26-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shop

topher i am trying to remove top cover to replace ign swtch & can not get cover off could you please advise - 1999 regal - & can not find lock swtch release to remove cylinder thanks - BR

The instructions posted should work for a 1999 Regal.

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