The IGNITION SWITCH:

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, this post is 73-87 related---you'll see.  Give it a few lines.

I'm having some problems turning The ignition switch on the cavalier (90).  Now, low and behold, this ignition switch is identical to all 73-87 switches along with 30 or 40 other GM models.  I don't think GM changed switches until 95 or so.  But you probably knew that.

Right now, i'm leaving the ignition key in all the time and not turning the key the full off position;  I can do this without turning on any accesories or fuel pump.  This is not a defect--it's a cavalier thing.  If i were to turn the key all the way off.  I would have to do some serious jiggling to be able to turn the switch at all.

1) The teeth on the key are all rounded off after 17 yrs.  Could this be the problem?

2) If not, how hard is it to change ignition switches?  Please be very detailed.  Also how much $$$?

3) How hard to change to a toggle switch and button?  I'm not concerned about re-sale value.  Especially after 17yrs and 241,000 miles.  In fact, i don't ever plan on selling the car.

[Lt.Del]

Have you tried to lubricate the tumblers?   Really, take some WD40 w/ the red straw and shoot some in the switch.  Turn the key a few times, repeat.

My 91 sub was acting up and was very hard turning on / off, so I shot some magic juice in there and it is perfect now.

Did the same thing for my 79 pickup on the door lock where the key unlocks the door. Smooth now.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i'll try it, but my problem is not heavy resistance;  It's more like it's getting hung up or something.  And once i jiggle it just right it will turn no problem.

[red4wd]

Since you don't car about resale value just take a hammer and break the column and use a pair of pliers to move the actuator

[Stewart G Griffin]

I've considered that, but i can't bring myself to break the plastic collar.  If worse comes to worse---there's no cheap/easy solution, i will probably go that route.

[VileZambonie]

The ignition switch and ignition lock cylinder are two totally different parts. The switch is an electrical mechanically actuated switch. When you put the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn it you are actuated an electrical switch mounted on top of the steering column. Changing the lock cylinder and or switch is a fairly easy job. So which one are you talking about?

[Lt.Del]

It's more like it's getting hung up or something

 

Yeah, that is what mine was doing before I squirted it.  It would go half way on, then hang up.  I would have to use more force than I wanted to get it to turn all the way on.  I applied wd40 in the key slot and she is good-to-go.

I don't know if it is the same as your problem, but, I am just saying, it got rid of my worries.

[Stewart G Griffin]

The ignition switch and ignition lock cylinder are two totally different parts. The switch is an electrical mechanically actuated switch. When you put the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn it you are actuated an electrical switch mounted on top of the steering column. Changing the lock cylinder and or switch is a fairly easy job. So which one are you talking about?

The lock cylinder itself not the switch.

I may try to get another key cut from the original vin#.  I have a feeling this might be the problem.

I should also add that if i leave the key in but don't turn it all the way to the off position(which is what i'm doing now) the cylinder turns no problem.

If i try to turn it off all the way then if becomes difficult if not impossible to turn without serious jiggling---and even with jiggling it only turns if i get lucky.

So, that's why i'm leaving the key in there all the time without going to full off.  I hope no-one sees it in there when i'm parked.

[aort07]

I also have a 90 cavalier with the same problem. I had a new key made and it seems to fix the problem. Before I would have to jiggle the wheel and the key to get it to turn. After the new key all seems well.

[VileZambonie]

It's wicked easy to change the lock cylinder and they are only like 12 bucks for a new one