Buy Pontiac Firebird Ignition Lock Cylinders

The ignition lock cylinder-also called the ignition switch cylinder, key barrel, starter lock, or ignition tumbler-is the small metal part your key slides into on every Pontiac Firebird built between 1967 and 2002. Turning the key inside this barrel unlocks the steering column, completes the electrical circuit, and lets the engine crank. When the cylinder wears out, the key may stick, refuse to turn, or let the car shut off unexpectedly-safety issues that inspired General Motors‑wide recalls. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)

The cylinder sits high on the steering column, just behind the wheel on early models and inside a plastic shroud on later fourth‑gen cars. Its hidden tail shaft links to the actual ignition switch lower on the column, so a smooth key twist up top moves a rod that flips the electrical contacts below. (YouTube, fieros.de)

1. Insert key: Wards‑cut key (1967‑1989) or VATS/PASS‑Key resistor key (1990‑2002) slides into the tumbler pins. (YouTube, MotorTrend)
2. Align wafers: Correct notches line up spring‑loaded wafers so the plug can rotate. (us-locksmith.com)
3. Unlock steering: First few degrees of rotation pull the steering lock pin. (Popular Mechanics)
4. Power circuits: Continued twist moves the actuator rod to the ignition switch, feeding power to accessories, ignition, and starter. (fieros.de)

• Stuck or hard‑turning key-often the very first clue. (ferberstireandauto.com)
• Key won't pull out after shutting off. (Popular Mechanics)
• Car stalls while driving if internal springs break and let the key bounce from RUN to ACC. (Wikipedia)
• Security light flashes and code B2960 stores when the PASS‑Key sensor sees the wrong resistance. (dewitzdiagnosticsolutions.com)

• Key wear: Decades of use round off the cuts, letting wafers jam. (us-locksmith.com)
• Heavy key rings: Extra weight hammers the wafers and switch. (Popular Mechanics)
• Heat & dirt: Dry wafers seize without light graphite lube. (ferberstireandauto.com)
• Broken VATS wires: On 1990‑2002 cars, two very fine wires inside the key barrel read the resistor pellet; they can snap. (thirdgen.org)

• 1967‑1981 (1st & 2nd gen): Simple six‑cut key; cylinder held by a screw under the steering wheel hub. (YouTube)
• 1982‑1989 (3rd gen): Column redesigned; cylinder retained by a spring clip you release with a small punch once the lock is in ACC. (thirdgen.org)
• 1990‑2002 (4th gen): Added PASS‑Key II security; ten possible key‑chip resistances mean replacement barrels are ordered by VATS code. (MotorTrend)

Pontiac adopted GM's Vehicle Anti‑Theft System (VATS/PASS‑Key) so the engine computer checks the tiny resistor pellet in the key before enabling fuel and spark. If the value is wrong, the car waits ten minutes before another crank attempt. A failed lock cylinder or pellet triggers this timeout and sets code B2960. (dewitzdiagnosticsolutions.com, RepairPal.com)
DIY bypass: Some owners hard‑wire a matching resistor under the dash, but this lowers theft protection. (thirdgen.org)

• Keep the key ring light-under 5 oz is ideal. (Popular Mechanics)
• Spray a puff of dry graphite into the barrel every oil change; avoid liquid oils that attract grit. (ferberstireandauto.com)
• Wiggle the wheel gently if the key binds; this relieves steering‑lock tension. (Popular Mechanics)

1. Disconnect battery to prevent accidental air‑bag deployment (1990‑2002). (YouTube)
2. Remove steering wheel and column covers.
3. Depress lock‑pin with a pick once the old key is in ACC; pull cylinder. (YouTube)
4. Code the new barrel to your old key blanks or match the correct VATS resistor. (JustAnswer)
5. Torque fasteners to factory spec during reassembly. (fieros.de)
   Average driveway time: about 60-90 minutes for an experienced DIYer. (YouTube)

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GM's broad 2014 ignition‑switch recall highlighted the danger of worn or heavy keys causing uncommanded engine shut‑off; while Firebirds weren't in the main campaign, the same physics apply. Always remove extra fobs and repair a loose cylinder promptly. (The Center for Auto Safety, Wikipedia)

When servicing the lock cylinder, inspect the adjacent parts too:

• Ignition switch: electrical block lower on the column. (fieros.de)
• Actuator rod & rack gear: plastic pieces that transfer key motion-brittle with age. (YouTube)
• Turn‑signal cam & hazard flasher: removed during disassembly, easy to replace while apart.

A smooth‑working ignition lock cylinder keeps every Firebird-from a classic '67 convertible to a late‑model WS6-safe, reliable, and enjoyable to drive. By spotting early warning signs, keeping the key ring light, and following correct replacement steps, owners can avoid inconvenient no‑start problems and protect their cherished F‑body for many miles to come. (MotorTrend, YouTube)