95 Steering Column Replacement

[bluewhite4]

To fix alot of annoying problems with my factory steering column, i went to the local junk yard who assured me and gave me a column out of a Monte to replace mine, complete with key. I've since tried to hook it up and everything works fine until i go to start the car. Turn the key and nothing, doesn't even crank. This sometimes happened with the old column, so feared it might be the started, so pulled everything back out, put the factory column back in and it fired right up. Tried switching the starter switches from the columns wondering if the column from the junk yard came with a bad switch but still nothing. Put everything back to the way it was 3 hours ago and it starts right up. Anyone ever try this or know why it wouldn't start? Is it possible that the computer didn't like the different key and needs to be reset in some way to accept it? Thanks.

As a side note i have to wait till Monday to take it back to the junk yard, so if someone could try to help me out before then, I'd appreciate it.

[MT-2500]

If you have the key with the pellet in it you will need to us your old key and key tumbler in new steering column or reset/replace you anti theft module. Or maybe get the one off the car that the steering column came off of if it is the same.
MT-2500

[bluewhite4]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

If you have the key with the pellet in it you will need to us your old key and key tumbler in new steering column or reset/replace you anti theft module. Or maybe get the one off the car that the steering column came off of if it is the same.
MT-2500

so basically its the computr not wanting to accept the new key/tumbler...there's no way to short circuit the thing to get it to work? I've got plans to put a new remote start/security system in it, so i'm not worried about it getting stolen...

[richtazz]

The only thing th epass key module does is disable the fuel pump when an unrecognized key is inserted. IF you put the key in and turned it and it did nothing, then the problem isn't with the Pass-lock. IF it turned over, but wouldnt fire, then I'd say the problem is the security module doesn't recognize the new key's resistor value.

[bluewhite4]

Originally Posted by richtazz

The only thing th epass key module does is disable the fuel pump when an unrecognized key is inserted. IF you put the key in and turned it and it did nothing, then the problem isn't with the Pass-lock. IF it turned over, but wouldnt fire, then I'd say the problem is the security module doesn't recognize the new key's resistor value.

The problem is that it didn't even turn over. The accessory things came on and then it did nothing. It just sat. So from everything I've read and what you just told me, it doesn't sound like the security system or like i'm even getting to that point. Could it be that because the junk yard gave me a column for an 1996 Monte Carlo, that there's a slight wiring difference than my 1995 Grand Prix???

[bluewhite4]

Originally Posted by bluewhite4

The problem is that it didn't even turn over. The accessory things came on and then it did nothing. It just sat. So from everything I've read and what you just told me, it doesn't sound like the security system or like i'm even getting to that point. Could it be that because the junk yard gave me a column for an 1996 Monte Carlo, that there's a slight wiring difference than my 1995 Grand Prix???

I think I might have a solution. There's a hardware store that will cut and set my type of ignition keys for $15 bucks, so I might have them cut a key to the column I got out of the junk yard, but have them set the chip/resistor like the key is my old column. I'm hoping that the resistor will register in the computer as a match and the teeth will have been cut for the new column. I'm thinking this will fool the Passkey/anti-theft system into thinking its the old key/old tumbler combiniation and therefore send the power to the starter. I'll let you know what I find out.

[MT-2500]

If the wiring is the same on both columns.
The pass key 11 system disables the injectors and the starter relay both.
The anti theft module has to see the right reistance in the key resistor.
You can have another key made with your old key resister value or just use your old key and tumbler.
Or even wire in a resistor that matches you old key pellet.
MT-2500

[bluewhite4]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

If the wiring is the same on both columns.
The pass key 11 system disables the injectors and the starter relay both.
The anti theft module has to see the right reistance in the key resistor.
You can have another key made with your old key resister value or just use your old key and tumbler.
Or even wire in a resistor that matches you old key pellet.
MT-2500

After taking yesterday off from the project for the most part, finially got it to work this afternoon. Ended up getting a brand new key cut to fit the column from the junk yard, but programmed like the key that came with my car. Put'er in and she started right up. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions!

[MT-2500]

Thanks for letting us all know how it went.
Glad you got it going and all is well.
MT-2500