How to Remove the Ignition Tumbler From My 1990 Chevy Van

Iskandar Blogger 4:37 AM

The 1990 Chevrolet van lineup included the Astro minivan, and the G-series 1500, 2500 and 3500 vans. The ignition lock cylinder can sometimes wear out over time, when the tumblers become bad. Replacing the ignition lock cylinder is the same procedure for all of the 1990 Chevrolet vans. The installation process has different torque specifications based upon the standard column versus the tilt steering column. Removal of the steering wheel and turn signal assemblies is necessary to the removal and installation of the ignition lock cylinder.

Instructions

    1

    Open the hood of the van. Remove the negative battery wire form the battery with a ratchet and socket.

    2

    Insert the ignition key and turn the key to the "Run" position. Pry the horn cap from the center of the steering wheel with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the horn button assembly forward, disconnect the electrical connector and remove the cap. Loosen the retainer nut in the center of the steering wheel with a ratchet and socket.

    3

    Use a white crayon to make a match mark between the bottom of the steering wheel to the bottom of the column. This will note the position of the steering wheel on the column. Pull the steering wheel free from the splines on the steering column shaft. Install a steering wheel puller onto the wheel, with the threaded bolt against the center of the steering column shaft. Turn the bolt clockwise to pull the steering wheel off of the column.

    4

    Remove the turn signal switch by pulling it up and off of the steering column shaft. You do not need to completely disconnect the turn signal switch for this project. Remove the Philips screw on the upper face of the steering column that holds the lock cylinder in place. Remove the lock from the column

    5

    Turn the ignition key on the new ignition lock cylinder to the "Run" position. Align the cylinder key with the key way in the cylinder housing. Push the lock cylinder into place. Install the Phillips screw in the steering column and lock cylinder. Tighten the screw -- to 40 inch-pounds on a standard column, or 22 inch-pounds on a tilt steering column -- using a Phillips screwdriver adapter on a 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to torque the screw.

    6

    Install the turn signal switch over the steering column shaft. Install the steering wheel onto the shaft while pulling the horn connector through the steering wheel hole. Install the horn button onto the column. Install and tighten the center steering wheel nut snug with a ratchet and socket. Install the horn cap onto the center of the steering wheel.