I have a 1997 cavalier, if i change the ignition will it make the anti theft system go off?????????????

Question

my theft system is on and it wont go off! when i put my key in the ignition it wont tunn, its like locked. i think the tumbler is bent! what is the easiest way to ge the anti theft system to go off.hhhheeeellllpppppp..................... please :(

Answer 1

Need more info....What does "CHANGE THE IGNITION" mean.  What part was replaced?  If the vehicle is equipped with factory anti-theft and the ignition lock cylinder is replaced and the coding not programed, your right.  It will keep the vehicle from cranking, but not from turning the cylinder.  If the cylinder will not turn, either the key is bent or worn or the lock cylinder is worn out.  Is the key an OEM key or a replacement key?  I have seen many aftermarket keys not cut perfect and if they're not perfect, the cylinder will not turn.  Try turning the key over if that is the case.  Use the other side of the key cut.  If non of these help, send more info......

Good luck....

Answer 2

You need to replace the following:

Ignition switch & case

Cylinder and case

and you need to recode the cylinder to the key.

This is not cheap and will run you about $500

Answer 3

   Well now she's done it. Bad thing is the ignition has to be turned on in order to replace it. What I would do depending on how and what other key she used. If it was stuck really bad to where you had to yank the key out. your probably going to have to replace it.

   If you pull the shrouding off 2 screws on bottom top lifts off you may need some vise grips to remove your tilt wheel lever. Now behind those plastic ears theres a small metal band get  that off with a small flathead screwdriver. Don't worry about damaging the band the ears just snap back on.

pop the ears( plastic thing the key goes through) off. If your facing the cylinder at about 7 o'clock kinda hard to see theres a small black piece sitting in the plug. Its actually behind the face of the lock kinda in the housing. That is the sidebar with the key in try to push that down. It should sit flush with the cylinder.

   You may be able to put vise grips on the ears and they may rotate over with minimal force. Just make sure the key is installed. Once it's switched to on there's a square retainer on the back of the switch hard to see on those cars but with it pushed in the switch will come out.

  With your new or used switch after it's installed try to see if it will start up if not. Leave the key in and on run for 10 minutes. After that the new cylinder will work and the security light will stop flashing.  You could run your new cylinder by a local locksmith and get the new switch pinned to match your old key can be done relativly cheap. I think the grand am ignitions will work in that car as well as some others. Good luck email me if you need any help.