Key lock cylinder and ignition switch — replacement
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disarm the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Airbag system — general information and precautions).
Key lock cylinder
Caution: The following procedure is included only as a prelude to removing the ignition switch (see below). DO NOT try to replace the key lock cylinder and key at home, unless the original key has been used to set the tumblers in the replacement lock cylinder. If you replace the key lock cylinder and key, you must have the transponder in the new key programmed by a dealer service department or qualified independent repair facility before the engine will start.
Note: For additional information on adding keys or key fobs, see Key fob — battery replacement and adding additional keys.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery (see Engine electrical systems). Remove the upper and lower steering column covers (see Body).
2. Insert the ignition key in the key lock cylinder and turn the key to the START position. Insert a 1/8-inch Allen wrench, awl, punch or a small screwdriver through the hole in the casting that houses the key lock cylinder, then depress the lock cylinder release tab and pull out the lock cylinder (see illustration).
9.2 Turn the key to the Start position, insert a thin tool through this hole, depress the lock cylinder release tab and pull out the lock cylinder
3. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Ignition switch (electrical switch) and theft
deterrent module
4. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).
Theft deterrent module
5. Disconnect the electrical connections from the theft deterrent control module, then remove it from the key lock cylinder housing (see illustrations).
9.5a Theft deterrent control module with key lock cylinder removed
9.5b Detach the theft deterrent control module from the key lock cylinder housing by carefully prying the lock tabs loose from the housing and pulling off the module
Ignition electrical switch
6. Remove the theft deterrent module.
7. Remove the lock cylinder.
8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch (see illustration).
9.8 Electrical connection to the ignition switch (Steering column is upside down and removed from the vehicle for clarity
9. Remove the ignition switch by inserting a pair of small flat bladed screwdrivers into these slots to free the locking tabs. As you push the tabs in pull the switch free from the steering column (see illustration).
9.9 Steering column shown upside down and removed from the vehicle for clarity. Grasp the switch and pull straight out from the steering column
10. When installing the switch, make sure that the gears on top are positioned correctly. Failure to do so will cause a misalignment between the gears on the ignition switch and the gears inside the lock cylinder housing, which could make it impossible to start the engine or could result in a battery current drain. Installation is otherwise the reverse of removal.