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How do I replace the ignition key switch on an 89 Eldorado ...

Sent to Car Experts June 29 03:10 PM

How do I replace the ignition key switch on an 89 Eldorado and can I switch to one without the "chip" . Right now it won't turn of(although the key can be turned to the 'off' position) and can't be started(although you can turn the key to the 'start' position. THX

 

Optional Information:
1989 Cadillac Eldorado 4.5

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
June 29 3:21 PM (10 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

If you are just trying to make a new key, most aftermarket key shops are equipped with key blanks that have the correct chips. You cannot use a key without the chip or the anti-theft will not disarm.

Could you clarify the problem? Does the engine"crank?"

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2110 Car Accepts
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Reply
June 30 8:18 AM (16 hours and 56 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: Have the key.Ignition turns to START POSITION. No electrical response to that. When I turn it OFF, all the dash lights stay on as if in the ON position. Had to disconnect battery. The switch was getting hard to turn on and off for a week. If I would move the tilt wheel to "all the way up or all the way down" position I could start the car. So; at first,I could play with it to get it started. Now it feels like the cylinder is totally disconnected from the inside of the switch like a trans that's in neutral.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
June 30 10:04 AM (1 hour and 46 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
When the dash lamps stay on, and the key is off - can you pull the key out of the ignition?
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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2110 Car Accepts
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Reply
June 30 11:20 AM (1 hour and 15 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: yes
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
June 30 11:21 AM (1 minute and 27 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: BUt I alredy figured it out and am waiting for the part to arrive.

Thanks for your time

Al
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 30 11:42 AM (20 minutes and 20 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

ALright. It does seem to be the ignition switch. (electrical)

-Rip



Edited by RIP180OUT on June 30 2006 at 11:42 AM

Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
Picture
RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2110 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
Reply
June 30 12:39 PM (57 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: Didn't tell me how to do it only that I was correct in my diagnosis. NO HELP, sorry
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
June 30 12:44 PM (5 minutes and 11 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark

You just told me you already figuered it out and that the part was on the way??? You did not indicate what the part was or if you still needed help?? And you've asked more than what your original question was, "How do I replace the ignition key switch on an 89 Eldorado and can I switch to one without the chip."

You do not need to ACCEPT!!!!!

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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2110 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
Reply
June 30 1:41 PM (56 minutes and 17 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: My "original" question was How do I replace the ignition key swicth. You never addressed that!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 30 2:09 PM (27 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Than my apologies, I understood the question as a whole rather than two separate questions. If you can forward an e-mail address I can send you the diagram of the location. Basically you remover the covering underneath the dash. Loosen the two bolts holding the steering column to the brace. Let the column come down, and than you can remove the two bolts retaining the ignition switch. Also, there is a very common failure on these that makes it seem like the ignition switch is at fault. It's called the Ignition Switch Actuator Arm, and is internal to the steering column, which requires special tools and quite a bit of labor to remove. The Arm is made of composite metal and tends to break right where the "teeth" engage into the lock cylinder end. To test this condition, remove the ignition switch per the instructions above, than turn the ignition key with the switched removed and watch for physical movement of the arn (hook), make sure it coincides with the movement of the key. If not the steering column will need to be torn down, for replacement of this arm. Please forward the e-mail for the diagram. Remember, you never need to accept, unless the information is helpful, and sorry for the confusion earnlier. Thanks,

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
Picture
RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2110 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
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