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Anonymous Posted on May 15, 2008

Remove ignition switch will not turn

How to remove ignition switch when the key will not turn?

  • Anonymous Jun 20, 2008

    Have the same problem with the key jammed in the lock!!. I have read several other threads that show a method of removing the cylinder lock by inserting a wire or drill 1.5 mm dia into the hole ( or two holes) depending on the yea rof the car on the front face f the cylinder. and heh presto the cylinder and key is released. Not so ...!!!

    Is there a diagram of this proceedure anywhere?

    Frustrated.

    TS

  • Anonymous Jan 20, 2009

    the black surround round the ignition seems to be stuck how can i remove this to get to the barrel if the key will not turn to show the small hole to release the barrel

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4 Answers

A

Anonymous

You can acces the ignition by taking off the steering column surround and the door mirror folding switch, if you look at the bootom of the ignition switch you will see a plastic oblong shape item with a cable at one end, if you prize this off you will then release the ignition key holding device, this is the cable which links to the gearbox selector stopping you from taking the key out until it is in park.

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  • Posted on Aug 05, 2009
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Cannot take ignition switch off...can I drill it out.....John

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  • Posted on Jul 05, 2008
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Thanks eitan, Problem is the key is jammed in the ignition lock cylinder and despite WD40 and other release agents it wont extract from the cylinder or turn to other positions.
How can I get a disassemble procedure as descibed by you. Thanks.

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  • Posted on May 15, 2008
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You can access the ignition switch from underneath the dash, but I found it easier to remove the steering wheel, then the instrument cluster. There are two basic elements to the ignition switch. The part that usually breaks down first is the front section, where the key goes into. You have to remove the entire unit from its bracket. Unplug the wire loom from the back of the housing. I believe there are two screws holding both sections together. Remove the screws and replace the unit. Then re-assemble. BUT FIRST, BEFORE YOU START TAKING EVERYTHING APART, TRY USING ANOTHER KEY. YOU'RE DEALING WITH A 25 YEAR OLD CAR, AND POSSIBLY A 25 YEAR OLD KEY (which I can't imagine, but its possible). YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO SQUIRT A SHOT OF WD-40 INTO THE IGNITION'S KEY SLOT...THERE COULD BE A STUCK SPRING OR BLADE INSIDE. If all that fails, then start taking the ignition switch apart. Its a fairly easy proceedure, less than 30 mins....and the switch should cost less than $60.00 from MB.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Feb 04, 2009

SOURCE: key will not turn in ignition switch

I believe I can help with this. Try the following fixes in this order: 1) Try jiggling the steering wheel while you try to turn the key in the ignition. You can also try moving the wheel as far as possible to the left and trying to turn the key as well as turning it as far as possible to the right and turning the key. In most cases, this works to fix the problem. 2) Dust and dirt can get into your ignition switch and build up over time. The dirt will contain a bit of moisture and cause a "gel" or "grease-like" substance to form. This can freeze if you live where it's cold, but either way, it may stop the key from turning. The fix is to spray a few squirts of carburetor cleaner (using the small spray straw) in there and move the key in and out. This should clean the grease-like substance out of the inside. Then, squirt a bit of WD-40 in there. This should prevent it from happening again for a long time. If #1 didn't work, 9 times out of 10 this will.
3) Take the car to the repair shop, you most likely have an ignition problem.

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Apr 09, 2009

SOURCE: Van keeps running after turning off ignition and removing key

need to check the engine timing and to make sure you have the right octune of fuel in your car.

appman67

appman67

  • 33 Answers
  • Posted on May 03, 2009

SOURCE: can't remove car key

I assume that your car has an automatic transmission - If so, try holding your shift lever higher in the PARK position when you try to remove the key.

Anonymous

  • 56 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 10, 2010

SOURCE: Can I remove a damaged ignition key switch from a 99 astro van?

yes, that is what a large srew driver is for, hehe.
However you will need to pull the stering wheel
and remove the internal blinker assembly and remove a bolt holding it in place, if you need to move the tumbler use a srew driver and force it around. This
should be done by a good mechanic, even we have a fun time...If it is design like I think

Rob C

  • 547 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 17, 2010

SOURCE: unable to remove key from ignition 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix

The ignition has an interlock that will not let you turn the key all the way to OFF until the transmission is in park.
This is done via a sensor either in the transmission itself, or on the shifter.

With the car off, step on the brake and shift from Park to Reverse, then back in to Park. You should hear a faint "click" as the interlock engages. If not, then your sensor (switch) may have failed.

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