I'm replacing the lock cylinder on my 96 (AT). I thought there would be an obvious place to slot it, but it doesn't really seem to be clicking into place on the column, maybe because the rectangular slot in the underside of the steering column isn't in the 6 oclock position when the wheels are straight ahead. It seems like the shift interlock cable might be making it harder to get into place, but I'm not sure whether to push it or pull it into place.

This isn't really rocket science, but I don't want to start tightening down the break off bolts until I'm sure it's in the right place. I could try it with the old bolts that I dremeled into flat head screws, but I'm reluctant to put them back and find out that I have to do more cutting to get them back out.

Can I go ahead and just tighten this down and expect it to go into the right position? In other words, is there a way to screw this up?

 

Reporting in. The new lock is in place. It went in fairly easily. What threw me was the fact that the steering wheel lock doesn't click in when the wheel is straight ahead. You have to turn it left a bit, so if the wheels are straight when you put it in it won't lock the steering wheel right away.

I decided to put the interlock cable on after the lock cylinder was in place. I think that was the right way to do it. Otherwise it adds a lot of resistance when you're trying to position the lock cylinder.

My gear shift lock doesn't work, but the park-neutral switch does, so I'm not too concerned about that. I'll take a look at the solenoid eventually...