How to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key

Do you want to know how to remove an ignition lock cylinder without a key? If yes, you are on the right page.

A damaged ignition key must be fixed to maintain the vehicle’s normal operations. There are few options available because you require a particular key to replace the ignition switch, and this is usually not easy. The key could be changed, however.

Here, we will examine the keys-free ignition switch replacement procedure, how the ignition lock works, and the replacement cost for an ignition lock cylinder.

Lets kickoff!

Removing the ignition lock isn’t really affected, even if you misplaced it or didn’t have the key.

How Ignition Lock Works

The ignition lock operates similarly to your home’s door lock; it uses several tumblers that release and allow the turning of the lock when the special key is used. A scanner for RFID chips could be a backup on the electrical aspect. The initiator and engine are powered by the electricity flow if the frequencies match.

Tools You’ll Need to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key

If you want to effectively remove an ignition key cylinder without having the key, you need the following equipment:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Drill bit
• Power Drill

General Steps to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key

1. Battery Disconnection

The battery must be disconnected in order to remove or replace a keyless start lock cylinder. To prevent getting an electrical shock or shorting out whatever is in your vehicle, take this precautionary measure.

The negative wire termination must be taken out in order to carry out this procedure.

2. Steering Wheel Removal

The next step is to remove the steering wheel from your car to enable complete accessibility to that of the key cylinder. After removing the steering wheel’s top and bottom covers with all of the screws attached, push the wheel upward, then tug on the middle cover. The car horn’s wires are now free to be disconnected.

Completely detach the steering from its shaft after ensuring that the washers and nuts are stored in a secure location.

3. Remove the Wipers and Indicator Switches

Following the directions in your owner’s manual, it should be simple to locate these parts and just take them out of the way.

4. Steering Column Sleeve Removal

The spacer columns should be located inside the steering column of the car. Move them upward when you’ve located them.

5. Electrics to Ignition Switch disconnection

In order to remove the start button, locate and detach the screws needed to mount it.

Make sure to carefully unplug each wire from its corresponding attachment on the ignition switch’s bottom. To remove the switch, loosen the tabs.

6. Mounting Bolts Removal

For the ignition switch’s mounting nuts or screws to be removed, use a socket wrench or screwdriver. The switch assembly and enclosure for the key cylinder must be completely unbolted.

The majority of car models come with universal, replaceable cylinders for locks. These may be removed rather quickly by inserting a pin into the system for release.

7. Check the Ignition Switch Housing Mounting Bolts

Contingent upon the manufacturer, some car models include bolt heads for safety with a snap-off feature that is simple to remove. This part’s purpose is to stop burglars from entering your automobile and changing the lock so they can start it with no key. For the start switch to be removed from the steering column, you might need to utilize an electric drill with extractors that are designed to loosen nuts.

8. Key Cylinder Locking

Take a paperclip that has been straightened and place it in the ignition lock cylinder’s slot before rotating it counterclockwise. As a result, the cylinder is locked, and the ignition cannot turn on.

9. Screwdriver

Utilizing your screwdriver, access the cylinder for the smart lock. As much as you can, rotate it clockwise. Then, yank as far right as you can with the paperclip. The switch should be simple to slide out after that.

This is truly all about it. If your vehicle is older and you have never worked on the cylinder for the start lock before, it might not be simple to do. This is due to the fact that the cylinder will have a great deal of debris and dust that had gathered.

10. Replacing the Ignition Lock Cylinder

Whether or not a keyless ignition lock cylinder has to be cleaned and replaced will all depend on the different parts and how they are functioning. If everything appears to be in order and to be functioning properly following a thorough cleaning and oiling, you can utilize the same type of keys to rebuilding it.

It might be necessary to purchase a newly installed start switch, though.

You should always remember that, except if you are convinced that any generic start switch key cylinder (or the individual components you need to replace) will work in your vehicle, it could be a smart idea to receive assistance about how to obtain new keys from an outlet of a manufacturer. To ensure that you receive the correct item, include your car’s specific model, the year, and also the manufacturer, in addition to the car’s VIN number.

Also Read: Key Turns but Won’t Unlock Car Door (6 Causes & Solutions)

How to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder a Without Key – In Chevy Vehicles

The technique has been tested on a 1998 Chevy Cheyenne K2500; however, it should function on most GMC trucks, 1995-2000 Chevy, and SUVs.

Steps to Remove the Lock

• On the steering column shroud’s lower left side, pull off the steering tilt adjustment lever.
• Pry the starting lock cover apart.
• In relation to the two screws securing the bottom piece, use a Torx bit.
• To unhook the back hooks, pull the plastic out of the dashboard after gently pushing it within the housing; near the steering, two screws can be found. To remove the screws, make use of a socket.
• Bring down the steering and reinstall the tilt adjustment lever. You can remove it once more.
• Use a soft plastic piece such as a kitchen tool to pry the top plastic which links the steering.
• Try not to damage or scrape it by working slowly. It might be more difficult to complete without the key; however, if you manage to reach the start catch hole, you don’t need to eliminate the entire shroud.
• To be safe, disconnect the battery.
• Typically, the key must be inserted and turned to the “ACC/first” position in order to unlock the lock; since you lack a key, attempt to spin it both prior to and after drilling through it.
• Put pressure on the start lock catch using a tiny screwdriver, then remove the lock.
• Put everything back in place by inserting a fresh lock and then performing the previous procedures backward.

You can follow the instructions in the guide below to remove the cloak, but you can Unlock the starting lock with the key. To pry it out, you’ll need to use a screwdriver or drill.

How to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder a Without Key – Dodge

In most situations, everything is held in place by a small number of screws, so removing a Dodge start lock is not difficult. You’ll require a powered drill, just like with other automobiles, to assist with keyless cylinder unlocking.

Steps to Remove the Lock

• The bottom cover of the plastic is where you’ll find both of the Torx screws.
• Take them out using a Torx screwdriver.
• Determine how to remove the plastic cloak by working on how you will navigate it.
• To be safe, remove the battery.
• Try turning the lock using a flathead screwdriver.
• Use the power drill to drill through it if you are unable to turn it.
• Pull out the cylinder after depressing the starting mechanism using a smaller Torx screwdriver.

How to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key – Ford

It is very simple to replace the starting lock on a Ford, particularly the F-150. Ford has included a hole in the steering column cloak so that the key catch is easily accessible, so you won’t need to remove it.

Steps to Remove the Lock

• In order to locate it, fill the lock catch hole with one of the narrower drills.
• To access the start lock, pull the plastic cover apart.
• Just in case, remove the battery.
• Utilizing the screwdriver, try for the ignition lock to be turned to the ACC/first position.
• If that doesn’t work, try drilling the lock again.
• You can Deepen the drill bit placement and press the lock after the lock changes to ACC.
• The cylinder for the start lock should be removed and changed with a new one.

Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Lock

The ignition key may be failing if twisting the key gets difficult, and you’re having difficulties starting the car. The most typical signs are as follows:

• Turning the lock becomes challenging.
• To insert the key and go over the positions, you must wriggle it.
• It’s quite challenging to get rid of the key since it adheres.
• Even with the key turned, the car won’t start.
• The start key may bend or deteriorate.

How Do You Drill Out an Ignition?

Ignition lock cylinder removal can be accomplished in two ways on a Chevy truck in case you need to open the hood. The start switch must first be unbolted. Find the start switch situated on the steering, then remove the mounting nuts for this procedure. The second approach involves placing a paper clip with a straightened tip in the start lock cylinder’s slot. As a result, the ignition won’t start. Once you reach the ignition switch’s top, continue to spin the screwdriver clockwise after inserting it into the opening. The start switch can be removed by sliding it as soon as the cylinder has been removed.

A chuck drill with variable speed should be used before you begin drilling. Prior to beginning work on your car, you should put on some safety gloves. Start a drill with variable speed carefully after you’ve gotten one. Drill a tiny indentation in the cylinder lock at a leisurely speed. In order to avoid harming the drill’s rotor, avoid inserting the drill bit into the cylinder.

Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement Cost

Replacement of a damaged start lock cylinder typically costs $237, which is affordable for the majority of makes and models.

The amount you pay will depend on a number of factors, including if you decide to make use of a little business, locksmith, or dealership, as well as the cost of labor in your neighborhood (and, consequently, the cost of living).

Due to the positioning of airbags and theft prevention mechanisms, which could prevent normal replacement in some circumstances, the repair may be challenging in some instances. Costs in these situations occasionally go beyond $800.

Also Read: Is Your Keyless Remote Battery Low? (Here’s What To Do)

Frequently Asked Questions – How to Remove an Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key

Conclusion – How to Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Chevy Without Key

Now that you understand how to replace an automobile’s ignition switch, you can do so despite not having a key. Even a rookie mechanic can perform this amazing trick since it is so straightforward. When the switch in your car malfunctions again, don’t miss the chance to employ this easy method.