How to replace Ingnition Switch 1990 C2500

I have a 1990 C2500 with the 5.7l. I need to replace the key switch, it is an automatic with till steering. Anyone have any tips or advise? Does not seem to be too hard.

You need to pull the steering wheel if it has an air bag it will take a special socket for this. Some of the newer units have a different setup. Go to
http://www.alldata.com/ and buy a years subscription or buy a service manual on ebay. Always pull the battery negative the night before and the airbag fuse. You will need a wheel puller and a lockplate removal tool. You can check Haynes but have directions. AutoZone and Advance have a tool loaner program.
http://www.matcotools.com/ will sell any tools.
If you buy alldata always print electrical diagrams before it expires and anything else you want.

Okay, disconnect the battery, set the parking brake, put the key in run, pry the horn button off, unplug the horn. Remove the snap ring from the shaft, remove the nut off the shaft. I think it's an 18mm. Get your steering wheel puller or harmonic balance puller out and pull the wheel off. Pull the black plastic cover off, use the lock plate removal tool to depress the plate, pull the ring off the shaft that hold it on and remove. Unscrew the turn signal lever from the switch, unscrew the switch and remove ( you don't have to unplug it, just give it a tug and pull it over the shaft. Unscrew the screw holding the tumbler in and slide it out. The switch must be in RUN. Installing it is the reverse.

It really pretty easy to do, I can do it in my truck in about 15 minutes now. I have changed three of these in mine and a couple of the trucks at work when they purchased them. (All our trucks are keyed alike) I Can't stress enough DO NOT DROP THE SCREWS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE COLUMN THIS WILL REQUIRE COMPLETE DIS ASSEMBLY IF YOU DO.

BTW I think all the screws at T10's or T15's.

Good Luck

Is there an easy way to remove the ring that keeps the lock plate in place on the shaft? IIRC many years ago doing this, it was a real pain in the a$$ getting the ring off.

This is a picture of the tool http://www.autopart.com/TOOLS/TOOLSMAIN/Tool/T_1504.htm
It is possible without a tool but hard. Most tools have two bolts but this must have both in one.

Thanks for the advise:grinyes: