Hello,

I am hoping someone can help me.
My 93 civic got broken into and they tried to steal it (unsuccessfully), but they managed to break something in my ignition.

I hope the worst karma hits these people, because I am a poor student and I work so hard to put myself through school, pay bills and take car of my pets. Right now I simply cannot afford the $$ of a tow truck to take it to my mechanic, or a mechanic to come and fix it.

I will have to do it myself, and I am not very mechanically inclined. The police officer who took fingerprints felt so bad for me, that he took a look at the ignition. He said that this could be an easy fix, because only the inside of the lock is broken, and it didn't affect the steering wheel connection (at least, that's what I understood). The key only goes in half way and it turns to the first and second point, but won't turn more than that. I need to know the following, please:

- how to unlock the current ignition lock (I think)
- what ignition lock to purchase from the store
- how to do it

Can someone please help me? Exams are starting soon and if I don't fix my car, I won't be able to pass this semester. Any help is much appreciated.

 

It's easy for people in the know, but probably won't be very easy for you. Easiest thing to do would be to break the column the rest of the way so you can turn the wheels and pull the switch off of the back and start it with a screwdriver.

 

Its very very easy. Buy a new lock cylinder. It will come with two keys. Take off the steering column covers required to get access to the old lock cylinder.

Put the old key in it. Turn it to the 1 position. On the front side, about midway from outside to inside will be a hole. you will need to either put a paperclip or a pin or pick of some sort in and push on the pin of the lock cylinder. Then you pull the key out along with the old lock cylinder.

On the new lock cylinder you will be able to put the new key in it and turn it to the 1 and 2 position and test to see which position allows for removal of the lock cylinder. It might be the 2 position.

Slide the new one in.

Report back with your results.

 

Not sure if you read the OP's post or not but.... That may be a problem since you actually need the key to go all the way in to do so which is why I didn't recommend the right way. Plus he is poor.

 

He said it goes to the first and second point, which appears to mean position. Thats all you need to pull it.

Should be $20 for a lock cylinder.

Ya he can also do it the wrong way, but it will cost a lot more and will require drilling. Not sure anyone would want to go that route and why it would even be suggested tbqh.

 

I had to replace the lock cylinder on my civic and I did it this way. It was a 30 min process because the lock cylinder I bought from autozone had an oversized pin that had to be shaved down. If your local Petite1234 I'm willing to help for free. I been in your shoes and times like these suck.

 

Because the last time I did one, the key had to be ALL the way in smartass. I keep forgetting you know it all, my bad. LOL!

 

If the OP is poor, as you suggest, why would my way be any more expensive than buying a complete ignition cylinder ?

The key going in all the way should have no effect on getting the key out, assuming the key is able to turn to the correct position.

I'd be embarrassed too if i gave out advice like you gave. LOL!

 

Nah, I am never embarrassed. I can admit when I am wrong without issue. In this case I suggested what I felt was best for the OP in his specific situation. If he can't move the car and needs to get going NOW, that's the quickest way.

 

I never even replied to you to begin with. I simply gave my advice.

Maybe next time instead of disrepecting someone by "not sure if you read OP's post or not but..." you will think first.

I don't get all upset when someone gives alternate advice than mine.

 

Damn, you sure are sensitive... if you are so above it all then why are you replying to a response I gave that doesn't require any acknowledgment to begin with? I was giving you the benefit of the doubt about the key engagement as I have actually done this before. It's OK when you are wrong man, no need to puff your chest. I was just trying to gently push you in the way of providing the correct answer to the guy about how to change the lock cylinder the right way.

 

I'm gonna try that this week. My buddy said he's gonna come help.
Does is matter which lock cylinder? I'm gonna check out a used cars yard & see if I find the same one.

The key only goes about half in. This locksmith guy said there's a way to decode the key lock & allow the key to go all the way in.
Thanks a lot for your input.

 

Where u from? I doubt we're close by from the posts I read. Appreciate your input.

 

It goes half way in, and somewhat forcing the key to turn. I took a pic & there's something blocking the key from going all the way in.

Someone mentioned to replace the whole ignition, not just the cylinder. Is that more effective?

 

pm sent

 

If you can turn the key to the first position, [on] it is simple, a philips screw driver and a paper clip is all you need, this should help...

Feel free to IM me if you have questions. 94