How To Remove The Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key

Every driver has to face ignition lock problems at some point. The key might break, the lock might become unresponsive, or you’ve just lost your keys without an easy way of getting a replacement.

Removing the lock cylinder can be done with or without damaging it, so in this guide, we’ll discuss all the methods and give you plenty of options to choose from.

The actual steps to remove the lock differ between manufacturers, so I’ll also try to cover as many of the brands as I can.

How Ignition Lock Works

The ignition lock works in the same way as the door lock on your house – it uses a set of tumblers that unlock when the unique key is inserted and allows the lock to turn. The electrical side may have an RFID chip reader as an added backup. If the frequency matches, the electrical current powers the starter and cranks the engine.

Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Lock

When turning the key becomes harder and you’re having trouble starting the vehicle, the ignition lock could be failing. These are the most common symptoms:

1. The lock is harder to turn.
2. You have to wiggle the key to get it in the lock and turn through positions.
3. The key sticks and is very difficult to remove.
4. The vehicle won’t start even if the key is turned.
5. Bend or wear on the ignition key.

How To Remove The Ignition Lock

The fact that you do not have the key doesn’t make too much of a difference to the process of removing the lock – you can substitute it with a flathead screwdriver, a piece of wire, reverse forceps, or a power drill.

Steps To Remove The Lock

1. Disconnect the car battery.
2. Remove the plastic cover that surrounds the ignition lock.
3. Once you’ve revealed the ignition lock, locate the small hole in it. That’s the safety catch that keeps the lock from getting ripped out.
4. Put a screwdriver in the safety catch hole and depress the safety. Create leverage with the other hand by using a flathead screwdriver or reverse forceps and pull the lock out.
5. If the lock refuses to move, you might need to drill it. Use a metal drill and run it into the middle of the ignition lock. Don’t go beyond the length of the key.
6. Try to pull the lock out while depressing the safety.

In some cases, you might have to remove the entire ignition assembly, which also requires you to remove the steering wheel.

How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Chevy & GMC

The method has been demonstrated on a Chevy Cheyenne K2500 from 1998, but it should work on most 1995-2000 Chevy and GMC trucks and SUVs.

Tools You’ll Need

	Title	Price	Buy
Top	CARBYNE Master Torx Bit Socket Set & Torx External Socket Set - 62 Piece, S2 Steel Bits, CrV Sockets | 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch & 1/2-inch Drive
Top	Tresalto Auto Trim Removal Tool Set [Non Marring and No Scratch] Auto Trim Kit for Easy Removal of Car Door Panels, Fasteners, Molding, Dashboards and Wheel Hubs (5 Pack)
Top	Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, 48pcs Drill w/Li-Ion Battery and Charger - 12V MAX Drill 280 In-lb Torque, 18+1 Metal Clutch, 3/8" Keyless Chuck, Built-in LED - Power Drill Set for Wood Bricks Walls Metal
Top	EFFICERE 9-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set | Phillips #0, 00, 000 | Flat 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm | Torx T5, T6, T7 | Durable Chrome Vanadium Steel Shaft, Magnetic Tip, Ergonomic Grip, and Swivel End Cap
Top	Fast Auto Keys New Fits Chevy C/K Pickup Suburbun Tahoe Yukon 1995 1996 1997 OEM Ignition Key Switch Lock Cylinder & Pair OEM Door Lock Cylinders Set All Keyed Alike 2 Keys 702671 702674

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

 

Steps To Remove The Lock

1. Pull out the steering tilt adjust lever on the bottom left side of the steering column shroud.
2. Pry out the ignition lock shroud.
3. Use a Torx bit on two screws holding the bottom part in place.
4. Push the plastic into the dashboard slightly, then pull it out to disconnect the rear hooks.
5. There are two screws in the housing, towards the steering wheel. Use a socket to unscrew them.
6. Put the tilt adjust lever back in and lower the steering wheel. You can take it out again.
7. Use a piece of soft plastic, like a kitchen utensil to pry the upper plastic where it connects to the steering wheel.
8. Work slowly and try not to scratch or break it. Without the key, it may be more complicated to do, but you don’t have to remove the entire shroud if you can access the ignition catch hole.
9. Disconnect the battery as a precaution.
10. To remove the lock, you usually have to insert the key and rotate it to the ACC/first position. Because you don’t have a key, try to do the same with the screwdriver before, and after you’ve drilled through it.
11. Use a small screwdriver to depress the ignition lock catch, then pull the lock out.
12. Insert the new lock, and follow the steps in reverse to put everything back in place.

The following guide will help you through the process of removing the shroud, but he removes the ignition lock by using the key. You’ll have to use the drill or screwdriver to force it out.

How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Ford

Replacing the ignition lock on a Ford, especially F-150 is extremely easy. You won’t have to remove the steering column shroud as Ford has left a hole for easy access to the lock catch.

Tools You’ll Need

	Title	Price	Buy
Top	BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver with 30-Piece Accessories (LD120VA) , Orange
Top	Performance Tool W30991 Black & Red Slotted Screwdriver, 5/16" x 6"
Top	Dorman 924-730 Ignition Lock Cylinder for Select Ford / Lincoln / Mercury Models

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Steps To Remove The Lock

1. Push one of the thinner drills through the lock catch hole until you can find its position.
2. Pry open the plastic shroud covering the ignition lock.
3. Disconnect the battery just in case.
4. Try to turn the ignition lock to the ACC/first position by using the screwdriver.
5. If that doesn’t work, drill through the lock, and repeat.
6. Once the lock turns to ACC, you’ll be able to push the drill bit further in and depress the lock.
7. Pull out the ignition lock cylinder, and replace it with a new one.

How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Dodge

Dodge ignition lock doesn’t take a lot to remove – usually, there are only a couple of screws holding everything in place. As with other vehicles, you’ll need a power drill to help you get through the cylinder without the key.

Tools You’ll Need

	Title	Price	Buy
Top Top	Acroma 12-Piece Magnetic Torx Screwdriver Set with A Magnetizer/Demagnetizer T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T15 T20 T25 T27 T30 T40 Star Screwdrivers for Phone, Computer, Automobile and Home Appliances Repairing
Top Top	GardenJoy Electric Power Drill Cordless: 12V Impact Drill Driver Set with 2 Variable Speed 3/8'' Keyless Chuck 24+1 Torque Setting 1 Battery Fast Charger Power Tool Kit for Home Improvement
Top	Dorman 924-709 Ignition Lock Cylinder for Select Chrysler / Dodge / Mitsubishi Models

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Steps To Remove The Lock

1. Locate the two Torx screws in the bottom plastic cover.
2. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove them.
3. Work your way around the plastic shroud to figure out how to remove it.
4. Disconnect the battery as a precaution.
5. Use a flathead screwdriver to try to turn the lock.
6. If you can’t turn it, drill through it with the power drill.
7. Depress the ignition catch with a thinner Torx screwdriver, and pull out the cylinder.

How To Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder Without Key – Jeep

Accessing the ignition lock cylinder on Jeep Wrangler requires taking off more plastic, but it’s all very simple – just a series of clamps and screws.

Tools You’ll Need

	Title	Price	Buy
Top	CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, Assorted, 8-Piece (CMHT65075)
Top	Bielmeier Cordless Drill Set, 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Power Drill Cordless, Electric Drill with Variable Speed, LED and 29pcs Drill Bits (BCDK-29)
Top	Dorman 924-703 Ignition Lock Cylinder for Select Models

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Steps To Remove The Lock

1. Unscrew the bottom dashboard cover, beneath the steering wheel.
2. Pull the cover off from the bottom up carefully so you don’t break the light switch.
3. With more access, you can now unscrew the bottom shroud of the steering column.
4. Disconnect the battery.
5. Place a screwdriver in the keyhole and try to turn it. If it doesn’t work, drill out the tumblers.
6. The ignition lock catch is located underneath the cylinder. Depress it, and you can pull the lock out.

FAQs

How do you remove an ignition lock cylinder when the key won’t turn?

To remove the ignition lock, the key has to turn the cylinder into ACC (accessory) position. Without the key, this can be a bit of a challenge. If your lock is very worn, you may be able to turn it with the key from the replacement ignition lock, a random key, or even force it with a screwdriver.

If none of the tools works, you’ll have to use a power drill and destroy the tumblers and move the cylinder. Once you’ve done that, simply depress the lock catch and the cylinder can be removed easily.

How do you drill out an ignition cylinder?

You need a metal-drilling bit for steel, a power drill, and stable hands. You want to start with a bit of smaller diameter that can easily wedge into the key hole. Put the drill at the same angle as the key used to go in, and start drilling.

After the first round, try to turn the lock with a screwdriver. If it’s still stuck, switch to a bit of larger diameter and repeat the process. I would not recommend moving the drill around if you’re inexperienced with drilling metal – putting too much force on the bit can snap it in half.

How do you rekey a lock without the original key?

Removing the lock without the key usually involves destroying the cylinders, which means you’ll have to get a new set of ignition keys that will not match your door locks. However, if you manage to take out the ignition lock on your own, or at the very least remove the entire ignition assembly and take it to a locksmith. They’ll be able to make a new key based on your lock.

How do you break an ignition with a screwdriver?

People like using a demolition screwdriver and a hammer to punch through the lock and forcefully break it. I’m not a fan of this method as the force of impact can disconnect random wire connectors or bend the ignition assembly screws.

Try to pry the lock, by wedging and pushing the screwdriver in. If you can’t get in there, then drilling through is better than hammering the screwdriver in.

Summary

Removing the ignition lock usually requires a power drill, but the process itself isn’t all that complicated. Unscrew the steering wheel shroud to remove it and gain access to the ignition lock release catch. Then it’s just a matter of pressing down on the catch and pulling the lock out.

Vehicle Freak staff is dedicated to creating the most comprehensive and honest guides and reviews. If you’ve learned how to remove the ignition lock through this article, then I strongly suggest that you check out some of our other guides and pick up more useful skills!

More insightful posts can be found here:

How To Start A Car With A Bad Ignition Switch

How To Unlock Steering Wheel Without Key

How To Test Ignition Switch With a Multimeter