Can anybody give me some help on how to replace an ignition switch? Is this something an average guy can accomplish or should I see a mechanic? Car is a 1999 Honda Civic DX. I've searched and haven't found anything helpful.

Thanks

 

bump..

 

Bump. Can't find anything on this guys. I took the panel underneath my steering wheel off and it doesn't look too bad. Do I just unplug the harness and what not? Do I have to disconnect my airbag?

 

Did you get my PM?

Make sure to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery when you do this.

 

Are you replacing the ignition switch itself (the tumbler, where you insert your key to start)?

Or -Are you replacing the ignition switch harness, (which is a recall on 96-00 Civic's)?

Either one will require removing the top and bottom steering column/ignition covers. THis is just 3 bolts, then wiggling to remove the covers.

-To get the actual ignition switch (tumbler), you'll need to drill out the two holes on top of the OEM assembly. That, or you can use a flat headed screwdriver or chisle, along with a hammer to pry it apart/beat it loose.

I can't remember if there are any other bolts holding that assembly on or not. After it's loose up top, you'll be able to tell.

-Now if you're replacing the ignition switch harness, it requires removing 2 small screws, routing the plugs and unplugging them. Then it takes reverse of removal to install.

PM me if you have any questions. Some of this may have seemed vague, but I've not slept well for a few days so I'm running on bagel bites and cherry coke.

 

civic driver,

I do not think I got your PM.

I believe I am replacing both parts. When you say tumber, do you mean the key lock cylinder? This now sounds a lot more complicated then I had first thought.

 

Yes, the "tumbler" is the key lock cylinder I suppose. It's where you isnert your key to begin to turn the engine over.

It's really not much work at all. The hardest part is getting the 2 holes drilled/ pried apart.

 

Which two holes do you drill/pry apart? Is that how you get the old tumbler out and the new one in?

 

Depends if you're wanting to replace that entire piece or just the key lock cylinder itself.

Is the car a theft recoevery? Was it attempted theft?

Check this thread out: Here

 

I think I am replacing the whole piece, but not sure. It's neither mine just needs to be replaced because it's broken. When I turn the key to the on position, everything just light up and come on, but they don't until I nudge the key a little more forward and then everything clicks on. Just problems like that.

Thank you for that link, as it definitely clarified a lot of things.

 

No problem, hope it goes well for you. Glad I could be of some assistance to you.

 

Sorry to bring this thread back but I have a wiring problem now. I just received my new ignition switch today and went to install it.

Problem is on the factory one, someone spliced in a bunch of wires off the ignition harness? Does ANYONE know what these could be? Something to do with an alarm? My car has an alarm on it, so I am wondering if that's what they are for. It doesn't work so I want to know if it's safe to cut them.

Any ideas guys?

Also if it helps more to explain the wiring, here you go:

There is two wires that are spliced into the wire right before the bigger brown "plug-in" that are solid red and purple colored. There is another three spliced into the wire right before the smaller brown "plug-in" that are green, yellow, orange, all solid.

There is no lettering or numbers on the wires, and if I had to guess I would say they are about 2-4 mm thick.

 

Bump guys