Lost key- replace Ign. switch?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 506
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From: mid-MO
Lost key- replace Ign. switch?
Go to the output parts store of your choice and get a replacement ignition switch. They are like $20 and all you have to do is unscrew the bezel where you insert your key. Poke the old switch out the back of the dash and it just hangs there. Undo the connector from the back and plug in the new one, reinstall the bezel and done. Super simple.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,247
Likes: 5,815
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Do not get mad enough to throw the keys in the trash, quite burying your trash, you know that makes Indians cry. lol
Get a lock smith to cut/make you one, should be cheap enough. Then get copies of that at Walmart and hide one the truck somewhere (like wired up on a wire bundle, covered with black elec tape) and not in that worthless hide-a key box.
Then put one in you junk drawer in the shop and the other on the wife's car key ring. Or just go get a new ignition switch at the parts store. You can not just change the tumblers because you need the key to get them out.
Get a lock smith to cut/make you one, should be cheap enough. Then get copies of that at Walmart and hide one the truck somewhere (like wired up on a wire bundle, covered with black elec tape) and not in that worthless hide-a key box.
Then put one in you junk drawer in the shop and the other on the wife's car key ring. Or just go get a new ignition switch at the parts store. You can not just change the tumblers because you need the key to get them out.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
I pulled a 79 ignition and put it in my 75. It had more wires to make use of. I had to take it to a locksmith to have the key made. It was about $25 total, but I consider it worth it. I do keep a second set of keys for every vehicle in the house....just in case I lock myself out. I also keep a hide a key box in a specific location on the truck, too.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: like subarctic, brrr man!
I pulled a 79 ignition and put it in my 75. It had more wires to make use of. I had to take it to a locksmith to have the key made. It was about $25 total, but I consider it worth it. I do keep a second set of keys for every vehicle in the house....just in case I lock myself out. I also keep a hide a key box in a specific location on the truck, too.
What about burying that hide a key box in the yard?
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Brett Foote
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 898
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From: Chillicothe, IA
Replacement keys can be had in several different ways. If you have any of the original paper work, look for a key code to take to the locksmith. If not, the ignition and doors are keyed alike on these from the factory. There is a clip that holds the door lock in that is accessible from the door edge. Pull lock and take to a locksmith. Have spares made by the locksmith while you are there, might cost a little more but is worth the money. Alternatively you can take ignition in to locksmith also.
Side note, if your ignition key use to work doors, but doesn't anymore, you should have a code key made. Keys are made of a combo of metals to make them hard enough to turn locks without breaking and soft enough to be able to cut easily. Because of this keys wear down. The ignition will "adjust" to the key wearing because the key is used in it all the time, but door locks might not wear the same. Have a key returned to factory specs will usually fix this problem. Sometimes it is just from lack of use. This happens more on newer cars. I can't tell you how many times I have had people buy a new used car and come in with the key not working in the door. Some of these cars haven't had a key in the door locks since new, due to remotes for locking and unlocking doors. A little cleaning and lubricating usually fixes it.
Side note, if your ignition key use to work doors, but doesn't anymore, you should have a code key made. Keys are made of a combo of metals to make them hard enough to turn locks without breaking and soft enough to be able to cut easily. Because of this keys wear down. The ignition will "adjust" to the key wearing because the key is used in it all the time, but door locks might not wear the same. Have a key returned to factory specs will usually fix this problem. Sometimes it is just from lack of use. This happens more on newer cars. I can't tell you how many times I have had people buy a new used car and come in with the key not working in the door. Some of these cars haven't had a key in the door locks since new, due to remotes for locking and unlocking doors. A little cleaning and lubricating usually fixes it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,761
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From: Knoxville, TN
Or if the door locks actually don't match the ignition key (due to swapped parts, etc.), you can take the door lock tumblers and a key to a locksmith and have them re-key the locks to match the ignition. That's what I did on my truck.
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