Ignition lock problems are inevitable for every driver at some point. It’s possible that you’ve lost your keys and don’t have a method to get a new one, or that the key has broken in the lock.
In this post, we’ll cover all the techniques for removing the lock cylinder, so you’ll have lots of alternatives to pick from.
There are a variety of methods for removing the lock depending on the specific brand, so I’ll attempt to cover as many as I can.
How Ignition Lock Works
The ignition lock is similar to your home’s door lock in that it uses a set of tumblers that open when the specific key is inserted and permits the lock to revolve. An RFID chip reader could serve as a backup on the electrical side. The starter will turn the engine if the frequency is right and the voltage is high enough.
Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Lock
The ignition lock may be failing if it becomes increasingly difficult to turn the key and you’re having difficulties starting the vehicle. The following are the most frequently encountered signs and symptoms:
- The lock is harder to turn.
- You have to wiggle the key to get it in the lock and turn through positions.
- The key sticks and is very difficult to remove.
- The vehicle won’t start even if the key is turned.
- Bend or wear on the ignition key.
How To Remove The Ignition Lock
Using a flathead screwdriver, a piece of wire, reverse forceps, or a power drill instead of a key won’t make much of a difference when trying to remove the lock.
Steps To Remove The Lock
- Disconnect the car battery.
- Remove the plastic cover that surrounds the ignition lock.
- Once you’ve revealed the ignition lock, locate the small hole in it. That’s the safety catch that keeps the lock from getting ripped out.
- Put a screwdriver in the safety catch hole and depress the safety. Create leverage with the other hand by using a flathead screwdriver or reverse forceps and pull the lock out.
- If the lock refuses to move, you might need to drill it. Use a metal drill and run it into the middle of the ignition lock. Don’t go beyond the length of the key.
- Try to pull the lock out while depressing the safety.
Remove the steering wheel in some circumstances, which necessitates removing the ignition assembly.
How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Chevy & GMC
Chevy Cheyenne K2500s from from 1998 and up should be able to benefit from the technique, which has been proved on a 1998 model.
Tools You’ll Need
As of the date/time specified, prices and availability are subject to change. A customer who purchases this item will be subject to the price and availability information that is displayed at the time of purchase on [the relevant Amazon site(s), as applicable].
Steps To Remove The Lock
- Pull out the steering tilt adjust lever on the bottom left side of the steering column shroud.
- Pry out the ignition lock shroud.
- Use a Torx bit on two screws holding the bottom part in place.
- Push the plastic into the dashboard slightly, then pull it out to disconnect the rear hooks.
- There are two screws in the housing, towards the steering wheel. Use a socket to unscrew them.
- Put the tilt adjust lever back in and lower the steering wheel. You can take it out again.
- Use a piece of soft plastic, like a kitchen utensil to pry the upper plastic where it connects to the steering wheel.
- Work slowly and try not to scratch or break it. Without the key, it may be more complicated to do, but you don’t have to remove the entire shroud if you can access the ignition catch hole.
- Disconnect the battery as a precaution.
- To remove the lock, you usually have to insert the key and rotate it to the ACC/first position. Because you don’t have a key, try to do the same with the screwdriver before, and after you’ve drilled through it.
- Use a small screwdriver to depress the ignition lock catch, then pull the lock out.
- Insert the new lock, and follow the steps in reverse to put everything back in place.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to remove the shroud, but you’ll need a key to release the ignition lock. To remove it, you’ll need a drill or screwdriver.
How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Ford
The ignition lock on a Ford F 150, in particular, is incredibly simple to replace. To make replacing the lock catch simple, Ford left a hole in the steering column shroud.
Tools You’ll Need
As of the date/time specified, prices and availability are subject to change. A customer who purchases this item will be subject to the price and availability information that is displayed at the time of purchase on [the relevant Amazon site(s), as applicable].
Steps To Remove The Lock
- Push one of the thinner drills through the lock catch hole until you can find its position.
- Pry open the plastic shroud covering the ignition lock.
- Disconnect the battery just in case.
- Try to turn the ignition lock to the ACC/first position by using the screwdriver.
- If that doesn’t work, drill through the lock, and repeat.
- Once the lock turns to ACC, you’ll be able to push the drill bit further in and depress the lock.
- Pull out the ignition lock cylinder, and replace it with a new one.
How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Dodge
A few screws hold the Dodge ignition lock in place, so it’s not difficult to get it out. To open the cylinder without the key, you’ll need a power drill, much like in other automobiles.
Tools You’ll Need
As of the date/time specified, prices and availability are subject to change. A customer who purchases this item will be subject to the price and availability information that is displayed at the time of purchase on [the relevant Amazon site(s), as applicable].
Steps To Remove The Lock
- Locate the two Torx screws in the bottom plastic cover.
- Use the Torx screwdriver to remove them.
- Work your way around the plastic shroud to figure out how to remove it.
- Disconnect the battery as a precaution.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to try to turn the lock.
- If you can’t turn it, drill through it with the power drill.
- Depress the ignition catch with a thinner Torx screwdriver, and pull out the cylinder.
How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Jeep
However, it is relatively simple to remove plastic and screws from your Jeep Wrangler to get to your ignition cylinder.
Tools You’ll Need
As of the date/time specified, prices and availability are subject to change. A customer who purchases this item will be subject to the price and availability information that is displayed at the time of purchase on [the relevant Amazon site(s), as applicable].
Steps To Remove The Lock
- Unscrew the bottom dashboard cover, beneath the steering wheel.
- Pull the cover off from the bottom up carefully so you don’t break the light switch.
- With more access, you can now unscrew the bottom shroud of the steering column.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Place a screwdriver in the keyhole and try to turn it. If it doesn’t work, drill out the tumblers.
- The ignition lock catch is located underneath the cylinder. Depress it, and you can pull the lock out.
FAQs
How do you remove an ignition lock cylinder when the key won’t turn?
The key must be turned to the ACC (accessory) position in order to disengage the ignition lock. This can be a little tricky without the key. A screwdriver, a random key, or even a key from the replacement ignition lock can all be used to turn your worn lock.
Using a power drill and destroying the tumblers will be your only option if none of the other methods work. Remove the cylinder by depressing the catch on the lock, and it’ll come out easily.
Summary
In most cases, a power drill is required to remove the ignition lock, but the procedure itself is not difficult. Remove the steering wheel shroud by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. Pulling the lock out of the catch is all that is required.
The staff at Vehicle Freak is committed to providing the most thorough and honest advice and reviews. There are many other useful skills that may be gained by reading our other tutorials, such as how to remove the ignition lock.
