A few years ago I realized my ignition key cylinder was broken- You could turn it without the key! So I bought a replacement and had a friend install it....worked good for a while- then it started acting odd; When I shut off the engine and pulled the key, I would hit the trunk button, but instead of popping the trunk, the brake light would come on and I would hear a ding (No- the ding was not in my head!) After jiggling the key flange, I could then pop the trunk.

A few weeks ago I had it replaced again- this time I made sure that it was an AC/Delco unit.....IT has the same problem and also kind of catches when turning to start....

I believe that the AC/Delco cylinders are (Basically) no good.....so I was wondering, A) Have any of you had this problem?.....and B) Do any of you have a suggestion which Ignition cylinder to buy?

Thanks for any assistance!

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 01-14-2025).]

A) https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/148211.html

quote B) If it sits for a while I can then pop the trunk...so everything is good except what the key/lock is doing...and to add, Even when it wouldn't pop due to the key, I could pull the parking brake lever and get it to pop.

The key/lock problem has nothing to do with the trunk release problem.

The trunk release switch is HOT at all times and the ground for the relay coil comes from the parking brake switch. You MUST pull the parking brake lever and get it to pop!

I cannot help with the key/lock problem...

Second Thought {EDIT} My suggestion for the key/lock problem - try powdered graphite...

I use powdered graphite in the door locks when they won't open; shoot some in the lock and on the key and install, turn, repeat...

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 01-14-2025).]

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 01-16-2025).]

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 01-17-2025).]

quote Originally posted by Vintage-Nut: SO - If your trunk release will pop the solenoid when the Parking Brake is NOT engaged; *that* ground path is NOT in the GM schematics... Do you really KNOW *that* ground path isn't in the GM schematics? Please do tell!

I have looked at the dang schematic- and it does not show how the Manual-Trans cars can allow their trunk to be opened via the rocker switch when the key is off but the P-brake is not set- but I can prove it does with a video. I have owned this Fiero since new (May 22, 1985) and it has always done this- until I had the new lock installed...and it still does it after it has sat for an hour or so. I also know numerous Fiero owners in the GGF club and many of them have done this while I was with them.

Maybe your car is defective if it does not allow it.....

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 01-21-2025).]

quote LZeitgeist: I know on my '88's, the trunk release won't work unless the parking brake is set...

Mine Too

As I mentioned, the '85 trunk release schematic is different than '86-'88 models, but BOTH circuits {'85 and '86-'88} show ONE ground path to the relay coil to power the solenoid.

quote The Ogre's Fiero Cave: Some people tell me that the trunk latch operates even without pulling the hand brake in stick cars. This should not happen according to GM schematics. This could be yet another factory wiring error OR defects in the hand brake switch wiring.

quote I have looked at the dang schematic- and it does not show how the Manual-Trans cars can allow their trunk to be opened via the rocker switch when the key is off but the P-brake is not set- but I can prove it does with a video

I really believe you, BUT the 'real question' is:
*GM Schematic Error?
*Defects in Fiero Wiring?

quote cvxjet: until I had the new lock installed

FYI - All Years {84-88} Ignition Switches: The OFF/LOCK positions does not connect to the vehicle

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 01-21-2025).]