Ya the highbeam switch is actually by your feet

 

I got everything taken apart now and upon removing the lock cylinder, I found one of the wires going to the key reader in the cylinder was cut.

Its cut in a location where I think I might be able to repair it.

My question is would using a but connector to do the repair alter the resistance measured at the key significantly? Basicly, would it be better to use a but connector, or just do a straight splice?

Thanks!

 

Straight splice with solder and heat shrink. Do not use a connector. You can not crimp them good enough and they will build resistance over time. Use a butane solder gun. Electric one could damage the electronics.

 

Thanks for that info. I'm curious to know, however, how an electric soldering iron could damage the electronics.

I actually plan on removing the cylinder and its wiring completely from the car so I can perform the work on a bench rather than in the car.

I have access to an electric soldering iron but not a butane one. I'd just like to know, this way I can proceed properly.

Thanks in advance!

 

GM made all of us switch over to butane in the early 80's. They said it could damage the electronic with static spikes. I think the biggest issue is when it is turned off but I am not sure of that.

 

Is it the solder itself that causes the problem?

 

I've soldered it up now and covered it with heat shrink tube. I'm going to wrap it with some electrical tape and put everything back together. If everything goes well the car should be running by the weekend.

 

UPDATE: When trying to reinstall the ignition cylinder, the wire I had soldered broke again. At this point I decided to replace the cylinder all together. I ordered a new one from rock auto.

I installed it this morning and the car runs now. Thanks for all the help everyone!