Ignition Switch Removal Help, Please!

[apathy]

Hi All,
I already checked the archives and watched Jims how-to video, so don't beat me up too badly%) I CAN'T GET MY OLD IGNITION SWITCH OUT OF THE DASH. I've seen the exploded diagram, and I have the new switch to refer to, and I simply can't get it to twist and release. I don't want to pull the dash, if I don't have to. What am I missing? What's the trick? (I don't know if it's the "original" or an aftermarket replacement, but I'm stymied). Any help is appreciated.
Best,
Apathy

 

[WILDHORSES]

Hi All,
I already checked the archives and watched Jims how-to video, so don't beat me up too badly%) I CAN'T GET MY OLD IGNITION SWITCH OUT OF THE DASH. I've seen the exploded diagram, and I have the new switch to refer to, and I simply can't get it to twist and release. I don't want to pull the dash, if I don't have to. What am I missing? What's the trick? (I don't know if it's the "original" or an aftermarket replacement, but I'm stymied). Any help is appreciated.
Best,
Apathy

So you can push in the little tab but it won't twist? Bummer.
You can always drill it out. That's how you do it if they refuse to come out. Sorry no video for that.

Jim

 

[fatboy]

You are using a paper clip right? I spent half a day using a hardened pick with absolutely no luck. Went out to the dollar store and bought a box of paper clips and it was apart in thirty seconds.


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[RODRIG3911]

Maybe spray a little WD-40 in the cylinder and try again. It's very easy if you follow the steps so my guess would be something is stuck/rusted and the wd-40 might free it up... Worth a try at least before drilling lol

 

[PaveBronco]

So I had the same problem on mine...watched that video 100 times...got it in the end, think I was pushing the paperclip in too far and that was stopping me from being able to tune it all the way..

 

[apathy]

I lost my only key, so I HAD to drill the lock cylinder. It's the switch itself I can't get out. (the part behind the dash). I can compress the spring a little, but I can't get the switch to rotate to get the tabs into the release position. I'll try a paperclip tonight instead of the pick I was using. If I can just replace the lock-cylinder and not have to pull the switch, I'll be a happy boy!

 

[SHX669]

Are you trying to get the "tumbler " out - the part where the key inserts - or trying to remove the switch and bezel rom the dash ?
If trying to remove the switch you have to first remove the " tumbler " then push hard on the switch toward the dash then rotate the bezel counter clockwise to remove. I've had some where it took two guys ; one to push another to twist . When reassembling I've filed a little on the " notch " in the bezel to make it easier.

 

[apathy]

Thanks for the responses. This may be one of those really tight fits that requires a two-man solution. SHX669- I'll definitely take your suggestion to "notch" the bezel for the re-install, if I can get the old switch out.

 

[fatboy]

You are using a paper clip right? I spent half a day using a hardened pick with absolutely no luck. Went out to the dollar store and bought a box of paper clips and it was apart in thirty seconds.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I lost my only key, so I HAD to drill the lock cylinder. It's the switch itself I can't get out. (the part behind the dash). I can compress the spring a little, but I can't get the switch to rotate to get the tabs into the release position. I'll try a paperclip tonight instead of the pick I was using. If I can just replace the lock-cylinder and not have to pull the switch, I'll be a happy boy!

Sorry, I miss understood the question. This is only for the tumbler removal.

 

[DirtDonk]

Got a pic of what's left in the front of the switch apathy?

Paul

 

[broncoitis]

Im with Dirt Donk on this a pic would tell alot in this case because im a little confused as to what you are trying to do!

To remove the keyed cylinder from the ignition you just need a paper clip and some patience! I say this because I have had them come out super easy and others that seemed to take forever. Having said that there is a sweet spot to hit with the paper clip and then I believe you twist it counter clockwise and it will come out!

If your trying to remove the whole Ignition assembly, like others have mentioned you have to grab the ignition from the backside of the dash and push it forward toward the front of the dash and twist it counter clockwise or clockwise. Either way, it will only turn in the one direction because of how they are keyed together! This is a little tricky to do the first time but you can do it im sure!

To me it sounds like you are trying to replace the cylinder with a new cylinder that you have a key for? Good Luck but try and post up some pics to clear things up as to what your trying to do! Either way, you can do this if I can! LOL! ;D

 

[DirtDonk]

Because he didn't have a key in the first place, he had to drill the old cylinder out. But what's left behind (if anything) would be the "key" in this case (pun intended apparently%)).

Hopefully the new one goes back in however, if his old switch is still in good shape but he can't get it out of the dash. If it worked before though apathy, maybe that would be the best way to proceed at the moment.
If that's the case, you will need to turn both the ignition switch inner mechanism (with a screwdriver maybe) to the proper "ACC" position to the left, and make sure the new cylinder is oriented the same way.
You can visually confirm by starting to insert the cylinder the only way it will go in, with the ridges and slots lined up, with the rear slot and rear tang of the cylinder facing the same direction.

To accomplish this, you will still need that paper clip to push the locking pin out of the way so you can turn the new cylinder's key slot left past the ACC point. This aligns the planets and lets you proceed.

I've seen some ignition switches jammed on their bezels backwards where the large pin somehow fit into the small slot, but was not so easy to take back off. Even out of the dash it was a pain!
Also what the others have said about the correct orientation still being a pain sometimes.
But if anything of the old cylinder and key surround is remaining, I don't think the bezel will part ways with the switch no matter how far you are able to turn and pull.
Hence the request for a picture.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[apathy]

Paul is correct. I lost my only key. Naturally, I'm kicking myself for not having a spare I have a new lock cyclinder with 2 keys and I have a new switch body. I can't get the new lock cylinder to engage in the old switch, and I can't remove the old switch from the bezel. I'll try Pauls suggestion to use a screwdriver to orient the switch to the ACC position. Maybe that will allow me to install the new lock cylinder. (It seems to go all the way in, but once I insert it, I can't turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key) Plan B is to recruit one of my buddys to exert pressure on the bezel while I concentrate on the components behind the dash. Thanks for your input guys.

 

[DirtDonk]

Hmm, sounds like it's going in already from your description. But maybe that little bit of extra turning of the inner mechanism (the actual switch) will be enough.
You will actually be turning it just a big beyond the ACC position. Just like you do when you're removing the cylinder the normal way with a key.

And make sure the new cylinder is past the pin/detent too.

Good luck.

Paul