This is the situation: Yesterday upon entering my vehicle the key wouldn't turn after putting it in the ignition. The key didn't get stuck, it just refused to turn. I tried doing everything to see if I could somehow make it turn to the first position: WD40, a mallet , shimmying it while turning the steering wheel, shaking it. You name it! Now the steering wheel is locked and I have no choice but to remove the lock cylinder. I was able to remove the cover and have it visible, but now I just don't know how to remove it! It's killing me because I left my vehicle at a park with all of the windows down. (I'm worried about my car right now as we speak ). If anybody already attempted this could you please help me out?

The most important thing is at least closing the windows or unlocking the steering wheel so I can tow it home (which I can't seem to figure out) Any tips would be appreciated, Thank You!

 

Really easy but haven't done it in a while so bear with me. First remove the plastic covers off from the steering column. The cylinder has a metal harness wrapped around the steering column but not detachable but still not impossible to remove. The harness is welded so you will need to find a way to remove the weld spots I used a flathead screwdriver and hammer, yes I know there are faster easier ways but that's the route I went. Once that is removed everything is pretty much plug and play. It has an electrical harness just disconnect. The new unit will have new set of keys and also a new electrical harness just plug it in and put the plastic covers back on. Oh I think it also has some screws or bolts to mount it in but pretty simple took me about 1-2hrs. because of the route I choose. Good Luck definitely worth every penny. Part cost me about $170 from Kragen/O'Reilys. But it is a special order part so be patient.

 

Thanks for the tip Duece! When I get the parts I'll post up a DIY with pictures.

 

You sure you were not jacking somebody's car? LOL!

Good luck!

 

Okay, after 2 weeks of not driving I finally was able to fix my problem. It was actually pretty easy to remove and I took some pictures to do a DIY for anybody who ever has to encounter this problem in the future.

 

Special thanks to all of those who emailed me and helped me throughout this ordeal.

 

if you needed to break it to get the car drivable.... nevermind. lol

 

I would like to see the images. Trying to remove my 1996 acura 3.5rl ignition
switch