The ignition lock cylinder for your GMC Sierra truck is much like the ones used in the doors, only it is connected to the ignition switch in the steering column to start the engine. If you are replacing the ignition cylinder, remember that the new cylinder requires its own ignition key. You also must remove this cylinder first if you are going to change the ignition switch itself.
Things You’ll Need
- Wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Replacement ignition cylinder and key
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Loosen the cable clamp for the battery’s black cable using an insulated wrench and disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
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Unscrew, separate and remove the two trim covers on the steering column in the truck using a screwdriver, followed by the knee bolster panel below the column.
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Insert the ignition key into the lock cylinder and turn it to the “Run” position, the cylinder/switch’s starting position before you would turn it further to crank the engine (do not crank the engine now).
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Press a thin screwdriver or similar pointed tool into the small hole in the top of the lock cylinder’s housing that contains the retaining pin; this will unseat the cylinder from the steering column. Pull the key and cylinder out of the column.
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Insert the ignition key for the replacement ignition cylinder into the cylinder. Insert the cylinder into the steering column, lining up the cylinder’s retaining pin so it will seat into the housing’s retaining slot; the cylinder should line up so it is in the “Run” position.
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Turn the cylinder so it is in the “Off/Lock” position and remove the key.
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Reconnect the trim panels around and under the steering column.
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Connect the negative battery cable.