I went to warm up my truck monday. put the key in the igntion and was real hard to turn, then SNAP. Proably broke the little pin?. I am just wondering if anyone has replaced theirs and how so. Haynes manual only tells you so much.

do you need any special tools other then the usual sockets, wrenches and maybe torx bits?

thanks,
Josh

 

So it snapped the key? or snaped inside the cylinder?

 

A steering wheel puller and a small punch.

 

turn it to the run position or close if it is semi together and with a nail or small punch push in the pin under the spot for ign in column. its a small hole u push it in and the lock pops right out

 

What truck is it? Did you check under the dash to see if the rod from the key switch to the ign/start switch still works with the key or not?

 

As long as the switch still turns, you can replace it with a minimum of effort. You'll need a screw driver to remove the plastic cladding that surrounds the steering wheel. Remove the bottom half and look for a pilot hole under the ignition switch. Turn the key to the unlock position (just before the "run" postion), and push a small punch (or similar object) into the pilot hole. You should then be able to pull the switch out of the steering column.

You can get a replacement key and switch at most auto parts stores. Or you can get the complete kit with new door locks to match the new ignition key. It actually takes more effort to replace the door locks than it does to replace the ignition lock.

If the switch doesn't turn, it will take more work. I don't recommend using the dent puller/slide hammer method, it can damage the ignition switch housing. The easiest thing to do is to use a large screw driver, drive the blade into the key slot in the switch, and turn the screw driver with a large pair of channel locks or vise grips. This will break the zinc collar on the ignition switch, allowing you to turn the switch to the unlock position, and to remove the switch using the same method as above.