I have a 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula that I just got and the steeering column needs replaced. How would I do that? I have never had to do that before and dont know what to do. Also the column I am looking at came out of a 1989 Firebird also with a vats key do I need to change my ignition cylinder as well? Thanks for all the help.

 

On the VATS - you'll need to get a key cut that fits the new steering column key cylinder, but you'll need it to have the same resistance pellet in the new key as your original steering column key.

 

The vats has a small orange wire and small white wire with a black connector 10 inches down the column. Take an ohm meter and measure the pellet in the key and go to radio shack and get a resistor the same reading. Take the same meter you measured the pellet with so you know it will be right. Put each end of the metal resistor in the black connector and you never need a pellet key again. If you don't have a key call a dealer and give them the VIN and they will get the key number for it. There are 10 different resistor readings.

 

I almost forgot, If you change columns there is a black box that reads the key resistor value so it will need the same pellet value even if it is a different column. The new column will need a new key since it is a different column but the black box up in the dash that reads the pellet value will have to read the same value or it will shut off the fuel and spark.