No ignition key
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Whitmore Lake Michigan
No ignition key
Anyone have any ideas on how to remove an ignition lock cylinder from the steering column without having the key. The manual tells you to remove the bolt under the cylinder and put it the ignition in "run" and remove the cylinder. Well ...it doesn't come out!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 13
From: Kingman AZ
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Whitmore Lake Michigan
Thank you....some good information there. I have a later model column with the finger lever in front of the key. No interlock cable. The problem seems to be inside the lock and not having a key to aline the pins so the cylinder can be removed. On the other hand, that would allow just the central cylinder to come out and not the outer shell. The whole thing should come out at once...or so it shows in the maintenance manual. A puzzle to me!
Fred
Fred
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
If you have a 1981 Vette the column is a T&T and the lock cylinder is held in the lock housing by a screw that passes through a notch in the underside of the lock cylinder. You do not have to have the key to remove the cylinder.
You do have to remove the steering wheel, locking plate, and other parts. You then have to pull the turn signal switch up and out far enough to gain access to the lock cylinder retaining screw.
Jim
You do have to remove the steering wheel, locking plate, and other parts. You then have to pull the turn signal switch up and out far enough to gain access to the lock cylinder retaining screw.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
A good locksmith can make you a key from scratch. They do it for used car lots all the time where the customer or someone else walks off with the only key. I know that doesn’t answer you OP, but I thought you might be changing out the switch because you don’t have a key.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Whitmore Lake Michigan
Thanks Jim...yes, I did all those things. I looked at some old locks today. On some there is a curved piece that drops out of a slot near the back of the cylinder (juast a little way). I think that may be what is holding the cylinder in. Yes it is a late model column with T & T.
Yes, I was trying to change the lock because I didn't have a key. I guess I will take the column to a locksmith and see if he can either make a key or get the cylinder out. My task for this week.
Thanks guys. I think the locksmith is the next thing to try.
Fred
Yes, I was trying to change the lock because I didn't have a key. I guess I will take the column to a locksmith and see if he can either make a key or get the cylinder out. My task for this week.
Thanks guys. I think the locksmith is the next thing to try.
Fred
