1989 Pontiac Firefly Locked Steering and Shifter Fix

1989 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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SANDYE
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  • 2 POSTS
My son has a 1989 Firefly, automatic, 3 cyl not the turbo model. His steering wheel is locked and the shifter won't come out of park. What would cause this and how to fix it please.
Jan 18, 2007 at 3:28 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
Is the lock cylinder in the column? If so then the rack or some other part in the column is broken and it will need to be disassembled to see what happened
Jan 18, 2007 at 5:31 AM
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SANDYE
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Yes, lock cylinder (where key goes in I assume you mean) is in the steering column.

If it is the rack, is this an expensive repair job?
Jan 18, 2007 at 8:23 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
Not real familiar with the car but it is more frustrating than expensive when being done on the ground
Jan 22, 2007 at 7:55 AM

Suggested Repair

Disassemble the steering column and inspect the ignition lock rack and related parts. A broken rack or other column component can lock the steering wheel and keep the shifter in park. The repair is usually more time-consuming than costly.

Conversation Summary

A 1989 Firefly automatic has a locked steering wheel and a shifter stuck in park. The lock cylinder is in the steering column. The expert said a broken lock rack or another column part is likely and recommended disassembling the column to find the failure, noting the job is more frustrating than expensive.

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