Lost the keys to a 1995 riviera, how do i replace it

You have to turn the key cylinder to the on position in order to remove it. You have a few options, you can call the dealer and have key cut by the vin, you could call a locksmith and have him cut a key to match the cylinder, or you can drill the original cylinder and tumblers out. If you choose to drill it out, you will still need to turn the mechanism inside to the o position before you can insert the new cylinder.

Can replace ignition switch w/used unit for around $100

I think a dealer can help you get another key made. If not, you have to drill and break out the lock cylinder until it can be removed. It is a messy job and some of them have a piece of titanium in them to prevent drilling, that is where the breaking part may come into play.

Probably not the actual switch. The switch is located at the base of the steering column. The key cylinder can wear and not function properly, which also controls the release of the steering wheel.

Sounds like somewhere along the life of your jeep someone changed the ignition cylinder, resulting in your having two separate keys. You will have to replace the ignition cylinder and all or maybe just the one driver's side door lock cylinder. There's really no way one key will work with both your existing ignition and door locks. Another suggestion is that you can get a complete matching set of locks and keys from someone who's parting out their Grand Cherokee, so you would then have only one key for all the locks.

The ignition key cylinder in a Buick unlocks the ignition and allows the Buick's engine to start. The cylinder contains a switch on the end of it (inside the cylinder) that sends an electric signal to the starter motor. When the ignition key cylinder fails, the Buick won't start. When this happens, you'll need a new ignition cylinder. Purchase replacement cylinders from Buick.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:

• Ignition key
• Punch pin
• Cross-point screwdriver

1. 1 Remove the screws on the bottom of the steering column on your Buick. These screws hold the steering column cover on. You may need to tilt the steering wheel to its highest position to access these screws.
   
2. 2 Turn the ignition key to the "II" position in the ignition cylinder.
   
3. 3 Slide the punch pin into the access slot on the bottom of the ignition cylinder.
   
4. 4 Push the pin all the way into the access slot while you pull the ignition cylinder out of the steering column.
   
5. 5 Insert the new ignition cylinder into the steering column with the key in the "II" position on the cylinder.
   
6. 6 Push the cylinder into the column until it "clicks," indicating that it is locked into the column.
   
7. 7 Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position.
   

*If* you had the key these are the steps: Insert the key and turn to the RUN position. There is a small hole in the steering column below the ignition switch. Insert a 1/8" drill bit (or something similar size) and push upward on the retaining pin in the hole. As you do this, pull out the cylinder lock. It should come right out. To reinstall, turn the new cylinder to the RUN position. Again depress the retaining pin and insert the switch into the steering column. Make sure the new switch is completely seated & aligned before you turn to the OFF position. This will let the retaining pin extend into the hole.

Because you do not have the key you will need to pick (or have the lock picked) before you can replace the lock cylinder.

take off plastic surrounds on steering column.look for small hole on outer ignition barrel casing.use a 3mm bit of wire or allen key to depress button in this hole. with key in ignition turn to on position and gently pull out barrel

your key has a resistor built in (some call it a chip but it is nothing but a resistor) there are only about 10 different ohmages . On my 95 riviera I still had the key but it was worn. I went to radio shack, measured the resistance of the keys 'chip' and bought a couple of resistors to match the total needed, soldered them in line and bypassed the key "reader". No more problem. Maybe you have the same trouble. One "Pro" said ... "It's not a matter of 'if', but 'when' all GM products in that age group will fail in the ignition security and need attention.

Ignition Lock Cylinder
Ford Taurus/Sable 1986-1995 Repair Information





REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Functional Lock


The following procedure applies to vehicles that have functional lock cylinders. Such cylinders either have a key available or known key numbers from which a key can be made.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Turn the lock cylinder key to the RUN position.
   
3. Using a 1/8 in. (3mm) diameter wire pin or a small drift, depress the lock cylinder retaining pin through the access hole in the upper steering column shroud (under the ignition lock cylinder) while pulling out on the lock cylinder. Remove the lock cylinder from the column.
   

Using the key, turn the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position, then depress the retaining pin using a wire pin or small drift

To install:

1. Install the lock cylinder by turning it to the RUN position and depressing the retaining pin. Insert the lock cylinder into its housing. Make sure the cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the interlocking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will permit the cylinder retaining pin to extend into the cylinder housing.
   
2. Rotate the lock cylinder using the lock cylinder key, to ensure correct mechanical operation in all positions.
   
3. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

Non-Functional Lock
The following procedure applies to vehicles in which the ignition lock is inoperative and the lock cylinder cannot be rotated due to a lost or broken key, unknown key number or a lock cylinder cap that has been damaged and/or broken to the extent that the lock cylinder cannot be rotated.