Key cylinder removal with no key??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Critter · 11-19-2010, 01:01 AM

I have read plenty on how to remove the key cylinder from a tilt column but all the info assumes you have a key. I have an auto tilt column from a 1980 suburban that is in great shape but I don't have the keys for it. How do I change out the cylinder??? Or is it easier to just have a locksmith make me a new key to fit the cylinder that is already there? I searched and couldn't find anything, did I miss something???

Dru · 11-19-2010, 03:04 AM

Are you sure you have to have the key?

Its been quite a few years back since I've replaced any GM ignition cylinders, but having the key doesn't ring any bells as being an issue, the only thing I can remember that was pretty much a must have, was a puller for the wheel, and the little pullers for the tilt pins, the tilt pins night not even need to come out for ignition only, I cant remember.

S10Fan · 11-19-2010, 06:47 AM

I've removed the lock cylinder without the key. There's a screw inside that holds the cylinder in place, remove it and out goes the cylinder. You can buy a new cylinder along with door locks that are all keyed the same, one key fits all three. I bought mine from a board vendor, GMC Pauls.

motornut · 11-19-2010, 09:20 AM

no prob with out the key,i've replaced them with the keys,same type used in many years (my 92 sunbird) as the burbs

James McClure · 11-19-2010, 10:03 AM

Critter, Pull everything off down to the signal light switch, then pull the switch. You need not unplug it, just pull it up enough to move it down or to the left. In the shift bowls upper right quadrant, there is a torx or phillips head screw, remove it. Pull the cylinder straight out. Reverse to reassemble. jim

Critter · 11-19-2010, 10:06 AM

Thanks! I guess I misread something. I thought you had to turn the cylinder at some point to release it. I appreciate the info.
Posted via Mobile Device

48cj2a · 11-19-2010, 10:36 AM

If you want to keep the cyl and not buy a new one, once out - you can take the Key code number stamped on the side to any GM parts dept or a good locksmith and have a new key made.

motornut · 11-19-2010, 10:41 AM

don't turn anything when apart,look up and in hole to see the gear strip that moves the electrics further down the coloum,if that goes outa wack the key start/run/position will be off ...

11-19-2010, 01:01 AM	#1
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Key cylinder removal with no key??? I have read plenty on how to remove the key cylinder from a tilt column but all the info assumes you have a key. I have an auto tilt column from a 1980 suburban that is in great shape but I don't have the keys for it. How do I change out the cylinder??? Or is it easier to just have a locksmith make me a new key to fit the cylinder that is already there? I searched and couldn't find anything, did I miss something??? __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

11-19-2010, 03:04 AM	#2
Dru Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 89	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? Are you sure you have to have the key? Its been quite a few years back since I've replaced any GM ignition cylinders, but having the key doesn't ring any bells as being an issue, the only thing I can remember that was pretty much a must have, was a puller for the wheel, and the little pullers for the tilt pins, the tilt pins night not even need to come out for ignition only, I cant remember.

11-19-2010, 06:47 AM	#3
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,642	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? I've removed the lock cylinder without the key. There's a screw inside that holds the cylinder in place, remove it and out goes the cylinder. You can buy a new cylinder along with door locks that are all keyed the same, one key fits all three. I bought mine from a board vendor, GMC Pauls. __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

11-19-2010, 09:20 AM	#4
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? no prob with out the key,i've replaced them with the keys,same type used in many years (my 92 sunbird) as the burbs __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350 Last edited by motornut; 11-19-2010 at 09:24 AM.

11-19-2010, 10:03 AM	#5
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? Critter, Pull everything off down to the signal light switch, then pull the switch. You need not unplug it, just pull it up enough to move it down or to the left. In the shift bowls upper right quadrant, there is a torx or phillips head screw, remove it. Pull the cylinder straight out. Reverse to reassemble. jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

11-19-2010, 10:06 AM	#6
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? Thanks! I guess I misread something. I thought you had to turn the cylinder at some point to release it. I appreciate the info. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

11-19-2010, 10:36 AM	#7
48cj2a Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 599	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? If you want to keep the cyl and not buy a new one, once out - you can take the Key code number stamped on the side to any GM parts dept or a good locksmith and have a new key made. __________________ 03 Suburban Z71 Z71 98 GMC Yukon SLT 4x4 Yukon 86 M1009 CUCV Project Milverado 48 Willys CJ2A 48CJ2A

11-19-2010, 10:41 AM	#8
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Key cylinder removal with no key??? don't turn anything when apart,look up and in hole to see the gear strip that moves the electrics further down the coloum,if that goes outa wack the key start/run/position will be off ... __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350



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