GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2005 🢒 Classic 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Ignition and Start Switch Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling and SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR
  3. Remove the accessory trim plate from the I/P carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  4. Remove the instrument panel cluster from the I/P carrier. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 743404 Size: SH
  5. Remove the ignition switch bolts from the ignition switch.
  6. Insert the key into the ignition switch lock cylinder. Rotate the key to the ON position.

    7. Object Number: 762724 Size: SH
  7. If the ignition switch lock cylinder is seized or won't rotate, perform the following procedure:
    8. 7.1. Protect the immediate work area with suitable material such as clean shop towels or a clean fender cover.
    7.2. Locate the surface for the ignition switch lock cylinder release button (2) on the plastic ignition switch housing.

    On the key entry side of the switch housing center punch a location on the rib (1) approximately 3/8 of an inch from the cylinder release button (2).

    7.3. Carefully drill a pilot hole through the plastic housing with a 1/8 inch drill bit.
    7.4. Using a 9/32 inch drill bit carefully drill a hole at the pilot location, and slightly into the ignition switch lock cylinder surface to break the release button retaining spring.
    7.5. Remove portions of the broken spring from the hole using a small suitable tool.
    7.6. Grasp the ignition switch lock cylinder and remove the cylinder from the switch housing.
    7.7. Remove any plastic flashing from the drilling operation, and using compressed air blow out the ignition switch assembly.

    Object Number: 749172 Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition switch.
  9. Release the transaxle park/lock cable retainer, then pull outward to remove the cable from the ignition switch.

    10. Object Number: 749171 Size: SH
  10. Press the ignition switch lock cylinder release plunger. The release plunger is located at the four o'clock position on the ignition switch housing.
  11. Use the key in order to pull the ignition switch lock cylinder from the ignition switch housing.

    12. Object Number: 743413 Size: SH
  12. Disconnect the pass key electrical connector from the ignition switch housing.
  13. Remove the ignition switch housing through the opening in the I/P cluster.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 743413 Size: SH
  1. Position the ignition switch housing through the opening in the I/P cluster.
  2. Connect the pass key electrical connector to the ignition switch housing.
  3. If you are replacing the ignition lock cylinder, you must code the new cylinder. Refer to Key and Lock Cylinder Coding in General Information.

    4. Object Number: 749174 Size: SH
  4. Use the key in order to install the ignition switch lock cylinder to the switch housing.
  5. If the ignition switch lock cylinder previously removed was seized or would not rotate, perform the following procedure:
    6. 5.1. Install the new ignition switch lock cylinder as required by rotating both the cylinder and the ignition switch to the ON position.
    5.2. Push the ignition switch lock cylinder into the ignition switch housing until fully seated.
    5.3. It may be necessary to slightly depress the release button, as the button passes by the 9/32-inch hole previously drilled in the ignition switch housing.

    Object Number: 749172 Size: SH
  6. Connect the park lock cable to the ignition switch housing.
  7. Connect the electrical connectors to the ignition switch.

    8. Object Number: 743404 Size: SH
  8. Install the ignition switch housing to the I/P carrier.

    9. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  9. Install the ignition switch bolts.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (88 lb in).

  10. Install the instrument panel cluster to the I/P carrier. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
  11. Install the accessory trim plate to the I/P carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel Accessory Trim Plate Replacement .
  12. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling and SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  13. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  14. Perform the Passlock™ learn procedure. Refer to Theft Systems Description and Operation in Theft Deterrent.