Will not stay running after replacing the steering column?

ALICIA1977

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET S-10
4.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

The steering wheel locked up and the key wouldn't turn. So, someone took the steering wheel and airbag off and took the lock cylinder out and I ended up getting a steering column from a junkyard out of a 98 GMC jimmy that had no keys. Put the new column in and took out the lock cylinder and put my old lock cylinder in and used my old key. The truck now cranks and instantly shuts off. Cranks and shuts off over and over but will not stay running. What could it be?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,361 POSTS

It sounds like the security system is engaged, when the engine stalls is the security light flashing if so then this is the case. I would try resetting the security system. Here is how.

IGNITION SWITCH DISARM FUNCTION
Perform the following steps in order to verify that the ignition disarm function operates:
1. Stay in the vehicle.
2. Place the system in the armed state.
3. Wait for the SECURITY telltale to turn off. The system is armed when the SECURITY telltale turns off.
4. Cycle the ignition switch from the LOCK position to the RUN position. Return the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
5. Open any door.

The system does not enter the alarm mode. The SECURITY telltale flashes. The flashing telltale indicates that the system has entered the ready-to-arm state.

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please go over these guides and get back to us.