Binarymasta

So, someone attempted to steal my car. I got in the car afterwords and put my key in the ignition. There was a slight resistance , but the key went in. Car started , no problem. I pulled the car up to the front of the store (happened at work) told my boss what happened and went back to start my car.

Now my key won't turn in my ignition. I've tried rocking my steering wheel back and forth (the wheel is locked) i've tried WD 40 , jiggling the key, nothing working.

I've called a few locksmiths and they are quoting me 225 to come check it out and attempt a repair, no guarentees though.

I've even gone as far to take the ignition switch off and start the car that way , so i'm at least i'm mobile. The car starts(ignition still recognizes the programmed key) but my wheel won't unlock, haha.

Sooo long story short. Is there anyway I can replace just the key cylinder , or am I stuck replacing the entire ignition assembly? Should I try my luck with a locksmith?

Thanks for the long read.

It Wasn't Me

Well, here's the problem. If you replace the ignition switch, you'll need the new keys to match the ECU or else the Immobilizer will prevent the car from running. Only a dealership can program the keys.

So, you've got a few options.

1. Buy a new ignition switch and new key(s) from an online source, then take them to the dealership to be programmed to match your existing ECU.

2. Buy a used set of keys, ignition switch, and ECU from a parts car. (make sure they're the same trim level. EX for EX, LX/DX for LX/DX, etc)

3. Buy a new ignition switch and keys from the dealership, and have them program it.



The problem with option #2 is that you'd have two different sets of keys. One for the door and trunk locks, and one for the ignition switch. Unless, of course, you swapped all of the locks too.


Also, and I'm not 100% on this, but a locksmith MIGHT be able to re-pin a replacement ignition switch so that you wouldn't need to a new key, or have the dealership program anything. I can't say that for certain, though. I'm not a locksmith, and I've never looked into whether or not this was even possible.

Binarymasta

The ignition switch considered everything? or just where the key goes in?

Most of everything i search for comes 300.00+ , but I found a few cheaper ones. Are they too good to be true?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-04-05-HON...df2248&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-02-03-04-...9eda1d&vxp=mtr

It Wasn't Me

That's actually not a bad deal considering you get everything for $150, and that it actually works. (primarily the ECM/PCM)

Is your car even an automatic? You hadn't mentioned that.

Anyhow.. It's hard to say what you can get away with as far as replacing the ignition switch since I don't know the extent of the damage. You might be able to get away with just replacing #8 in the following link.

Click Here

There might be a way for you to bypass / disable the steering wheel lock, but you'd have to look into that. It's not something I'd recommend, because, well, let's say you're driving down the road and your steering wheel suddenly locks up on you.

Binarymasta

Ah, thanks for the information! I'm have a manual.

Binarymasta

Hey, another quick question. Can I buy an ingnition pulled from an automatic to use in my manual ? or does it have to be a manual?

It Wasn't Me

You would need the keys to be reprogrammed to match your existing PCM, but, yes.