Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to remove the ignition lock cylinder from your car but don’t have a key?
If so, don’t worry!
An ignition lock cylinder replacement costs several hundred dollars and is almost always expensive to install. But the good news is that it’s surprisingly easy to do and requires just two tools – a drill and a screwdriver. You can replace one yourself in less than ten minutes.
We’ll show you how in just 13 easy steps. But first, let’s see what tools you’ll need.
Tools You’ll Need To Change An Ignition Key Lock Without A Key
You’ll need the following tools to successfully remove an ignition lock cylinder without a key:
Now, let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to follow.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key
1. Disconnect the Battery
The first thing you’ll need to do is disconnect your car’s battery. This will prevent electricity from flowing into and potentially shorting out the lock cylinder and other components. Use your screwdriver to remove the negative cable from your battery terminal, then wait a few minutes before proceeding to avoid any risk of shock.
2. Remove the Steering Wheel
Next, you will need to remove the steering wheel, so it can be pulled off of the steering column. Look for a series of screws that hold the upper and lower portions of your steering wheel in place. Unfasten these using your power drill or screwdriver.
When removing the lower part of the steering wheel, look for fasteners around the perimeter. There will also probably be a screw or two that secures the airbag to the bottom of the steering wheel. To protect yourself, use your drill to remove these screws so they stay safely out of your way while you work.
3. Remove the Wipers and Indicator Switches
Unbolt the wiper and indicator switches from the steering column using your power drill. Most of these bolts will be at the top of the lock cylinder (the part you’ll need to remove).
Next, disconnect all four wires going into each switch-these should have little push tabs on them that will snap out when pushed in a certain direction. If they don’t, gently pry them out with your flathead screwdriver.
4. Remove the Steering Column Sleeve
Your next step will be to remove the steering column sleeve. This is a plastic piece that sits atop your steering column, which you’ll need to pull off to reach the top of the lock cylinder.
An easy way to get it off is by using an Allen wrench or Torx bit with your power drill to remove the six screws around the sleeve’s outer perimeter.
At this point, you should be able to grasp the top of the steering column and pull it straight out.
5. Disconnect Electrical Connection to Ignition Switch
Before you can remove your lock cylinder, you’re going to need to disconnect the electrical connection that goes into it. This is usually tucked up inside the steering column; simply press down on a small plastic clip and pull it out.
Next, detach the two wires from each other by pulling them off with your fingers. To remove them completely, look for a small tab that you can push away from the connector to release them fully.
6. Remove the Mounting Bolts
Once the lock cylinder is loose, you’ll need to remove the two bolts that are holding it in place before you can remove it completely. These are most likely at the top of your steering column again-they will be concealed under a plastic cap or rubber piece.
Remove these with your power drill and set them aside for reuse later.
7. Examine the Ignition Switch Housing Mounting Bolts
Before installing your new lock cylinder, take a look at the two mounting bolts that are inside your car. These will probably be different lengths than the ones you just removed! If so, use your power drill to swap them out-the longer bolt should go on the bottom, where you removed the original shorter one.
8. Install Your New Ignition Cylinder
Now you’re ready to install your new lock cylinder. Use your power drill to screw it into place, making sure it’s seated firmly so that the key will turn smoothly. Reattach the two mounting bolts, putting them in their proper places before tightening them with your power drill or Allen wrench.
Then put the steering column cover back on by inserting the tabs at the top of it into your steering column, and press down hard.
9. Reattach Electrical Connection to Ignition Switch
Finally, reattach the electrical connection to your ignition switch that you pulled out in Step 5. If you removed both wires from it before, simply reconnect them together by pushing their ends back together. If you removed one, simply replace the push tab on the connector to tighten it back up.
10. Reattach Steering Column Sleeve
Your next step will be to reattach the steering column sleeve by placing each end of it into your steering column and tightening it in place with your fingers or power drill.
11. Reattach Wiper and Indicator Switches
Your next step will be to reattach your wiper and indicator switches onto the steering column by sliding each wire into its proper place, then pressing down on its clip with your finger to tighten it.
12. Test Lock Cylinder Before Reattaching Steering Wheel
Test your ignition lock cylinder before you reattach your steering wheel. Turn your key one click clockwise to insert it into the lock cylinder, then turn it counterclockwise to release. If you hear a clicking noise after turning the key, your new lock cylinder is working!
13. Reattach the Steering Wheel
Your last step will be to reattach your steering wheel onto your steering column by inserting it into place and tightening its hex screw with your power drill or Allen wrench.
That’s all you need!
Now that you’ve replaced your ignition lock cylinder, you should be able to use your key without any problems. Test it out by inserting the key into the lock and turning it counterclockwise. If all goes well, congratulations! You can now turn on your car’s engine just like normal.
Last Words
In this step-by-step guide on how to remove an ignition lock cylinder without a key, you’ve learned how easy it is to accomplish. Although the process may seem intimidating at first, as long as you take your time and keep organized so that nothing gets misplaced along the way, you should have no problems replacing your ignition switch.
Please share this information with others if you found it useful! Best wishes.