How to remove or change igntion key tumbler.
 

I was changing out my automatic DC tumbler into a EG ignition switch and figured I would show others how to do the same. Hopefully this information will help out, I found out from a Honda Technician how to do it and understand that others may not have access to such information.

First off you need to remove your ignition switch from your steering column. This is done by dremeling slots into each strip screw and using a flathead to remove the bolts. If you do not feel comfortable by doing this stop here.

Tools needed:
Snap ring pliers
Pin/hook tools
Vice grips (or star key set :P )
Phillips head
tweezers
Keystone Light ( NOT OPTIONAL)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture019.jpg


Step 1:

Use your matching key to the cylinder and set the ignition switch to accessory one. As shown in picture.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture020.jpg

Step 2:

Use pin/hook tool to depress the little "button" that locks in the tumbler. Pull out the key/tumbler. There will be a little copper color hook that is spring loaded, pull this up with a pin tool and the tumbler will pull right out.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture021.jpg


Step 3:

Remove the silver end cap to the assembly by prying up the depressed slots with hook tool, or you can slide your tweezers in...Whichever you prefer.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture021.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture022.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture023.jpg

Step 4:

Use the snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring that holds the tumbler within the key assembly. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE THE KEY IN THE TUMBLER! If you don't the tumbler disks can fall out of the tumbler. Now slide the tumbler out and walla! You not have the tumbler out!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture026.jpg

OPTIONAL:

If you are changing disks from tumbler to another tumbler, slowly (SLOWLY) remove the key from switch and one by one pull out the disks from the top disk to bottom disk, top disk to bottom disk...ect...untill you are done.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Picture027.jpg


When everything is done insert the correct key and make sure all of the disks line up flat with the tumbler. Insert the tumbler in the reverse order and reinstall everything.


NOTE: The "golden lever" that was a p.i.t.a to begin with now needs to be lifted up again to install. You may have to fiddle with it a bit to get it to slide back in but it shouldn't give you much trouble.



I hope this is some useful information for people in a bind for whatever reason, because I know new key/tumbler assemblies can cost upwards of 400$.


Enjoy!

If you are changing the disks to another tumbler

Re: How to remove or change igntion key tumbler.
 

wow! this is great!, you posted one pict twice though lol

Re: How to remove or change igntion key tumbler.
 

I would like very much to change the tumblers in both door locks and the ignition. Locally I can get no help on getting new tumblers. Could you please send me any info on how to go about getting them. Thanks