Ignition Switch Removal

[jrbCO]

So I’m removing my dash and everything is pretty smooth up until I try to remove my ignition switch. I do the paper clip trick to move the key counterclockwise from ACC. No matter what I do, the center hub with the key will not come out. I have gone back to neutral and repeated the step multiple times with the same result. In addition, now the key is hard to remove and there is obvious internal resistance when turning the key to the start position. It seems that something internally has moved.

Any ideas? Assuming this will not come out in 1 piece. Suggestions for removal so I can buy a new ignition switch.

 

[joebronco73]

So I’m removing my dash and everything is pretty smooth up until I try to remove my ignition switch. I do the paper clip trick to move the key counterclockwise from ACC. No matter what I do, the center hub with the key will not come out. I have gone back to neutral and repeated the step multiple times with the same result. In addition, now the key is hard to remove and there is obvious internal resistance when turning the key to the start position. It seems that something internally has moved.

Any ideas? Assuming this will not come out in 1 piece. Suggestions for removal so I can buy a new ignition switch.

I just went through this, but I am fairly comfortable that my ignition lock/key are in good shape. I didn't have my dash removed, but from what I could "feel" was that the spring cup was not fully seated in the correct slot and was pushing against the switch and therefore the cylinder. Can you confirm it is correctly seated and not pinched between the switch, dash, and spring?

 

[Dylan_Shaffer]

This happened to me recently. After a ton of trials and pulling I threw some pliers on the key and with a ton of force it pulled out, and small internal parts went flying, I will be buying a new ignition switch lol

 

[jrbCO]

I drilled it out this morning and ordered a new ignition switch. Given the feel and how hard it was to turn the key after I attempted removal, I assumed I was going to have issues going forward

 

[joebronco73]

This happened to me recently. After a ton of trials and pulling I threw some pliers on the key and with a ton of force it pulled out, and small internal parts went flying, I will be buying a new ignition switch lol

I feel like this is one of those self-fulfilling things. You think it's broken, so you then just have to make sure it is

 

[DirtDonk]

When you first push the paper clip into the hole, can you actually feel the obviously spring loaded thingy that you’re pushing against?
If not, then it’s either broken or the key’s not in the right position yet.
Yes, it should be right there when you’re in the ACC position. But seems we have been hearing this a lot lately.
Maybe the switches aren’t all made the same anymore.

 

[jrbCO]

I did not compress the spring fully initially and the key would not move to the desired position. There was an obvious release once depressed allowing the key to fully rotate. Afterwards, there was a clear overall change in the mechanism as I moved back to the start position. There was new heavy internal resistance in addition to the fact it simply would not release. I maybe could have tried to yank with pliers as mentioned above, but honestly felt like the key was going to break just moving back to neutral position and with my many attempts to pull it out. Maybe a bit impatient, but really wanted to get the dash out and a new ignition switch is minor in the overall scheme