This post is for replacing an ignition key tumbler kit in a 2003 Chevrolet Impala but it applies to most General Motor Vehicles from the late 1990’s to 2007
With a small screwdriver depress the retaining pin, rotate and pull the tumbler assembly from the sensor housing.
The retaining pin can be seen in the picture below. It is the angle piece pointing down. Before further disassembly place your thumb on the locking bar and take the key in and out of the tumbler assembly so that you can get a feel for how the locking bar should drop into position when the key is inserted. This is helpful to know later when assembling the new tumbler
The retaining bar will have to be removed.
Use a small screwdriver to pry it out of the housing.
After the bar is removed, take all of the springs out.
Next take a pick and lift out one tumbler at a time.
Make yourself a chart so that you can write down the numbers that are on the individual tumblers and keep track of their positions in the tumbler housing. This is your key code. You can get this code from your dealer if you need to but you will have to show a photo id and proof of vehicle ownership.
The original tumblers are brass colored and the replacements are silver colored. There are numbers stamped on each one and they range from 1-4
In particular, if you have never done this before and do not have any spare parts, make sure that the package is unopened. This will save you a lot of grief.
Install the new tumblers in the proper order and check with the key to make sure that the locking bar drops in evenly when the key is fully inserted and the tumblers are pushed in to make contact with the key.
If the bar does not drop in evenly you have either assembled incorrectly or your key is worn out.
Remove the key and push all of the tumblers fully in, light pressure with a small screwdriver or pick is all that is needed. With the tumblers pushed in, place the new springs into position
Install the new retaining bar.
Install the new spring and angled retainer. Not shown but it should go in the square hole that is pointing down at the right hand side of the tumbler housing.
Insert supplied grease into the tumbler assembly and install in the new sensor housing.
There are detailed instructions that come with the kit you should read and fully understand before actually attempting this repair. The information I am providing is meant to be an aide to the factory instructions.
2003 impala ls v6 3800 security light came on while in drive thru started knocking took batt cable off security gone but knock got worse and worse now i barley have any power to the motor spits and sputters anyone know whats going on
They can be purchased as an unassembled kit, manufactured by Delco (the kit will be assembled to fit your current key) or it may be purchased as a complete assembly with a new key (your old key will not fit the new part. Both can be purchased through your local part stores or you can find them on line. Keep in mind that there are two parts to the ignition switch assembly. The lock & tumbler kit and the electrical part of the ignition switch. Prices can range from just under a hundred dollars to slightly over two hundred depending on brand and the distribution channel.
i have a question on where to buy this kit the dealer told me i have to buy a whole new ignition and how much does this kit cost? thank you
If you are referring to the sensor, yes, it does come with the kit. In the first picture it can be seen on the old assembly. It is the black plastic piece with three terminal to the left side of the assembly. In the last picture it is the black plastic piece at the bottom center of the assembly.
I don’t see the passkey switch located with the tumbler kit in your pictures. When ordering the tumbler kit does this in fact come included as well. Thanks….