1998 Chevy Van Ignition switch & new key

1998 CHEVROLET VAN
239,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DOUGVJ
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  • 1 POST
(From a Lady) Please help. We bought a van for our yard guy to help him out. The key sticks in the ignition and you cant get it out without wiggle. We got a new ignition switch with keys. We installed it no problem but it wont start the van. We called Chevy dealer and we have to go have them put a chip in the key. They want to charge us $100 - $700 to rekey it. We only paid $2000 for this work van. Is there any other option??? A good deed is turning into a costly project. Van runs great and was checked out by our mechanics.
Feb 7, 2009 at 12:44 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The key chip has to tell the computer that the owner is starting the van. There is a sensor that recognizes it in the steering column. If it doesn't sense the correct key, it won't start.
Feb 15, 2009 at 12:03 PM
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