The lock cylinder that you place the key into is separate from the ignition switch on the Toyota Camry, yet they are connected. These three items make up the ignition/starting system on an automobile along with the starter motor. You must enter the steering column itself to remove and replace the ignition switch if it has to be replaced.
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Step 2
Turn the lock cylinder to the Accessory position, which is to the left, after inserting the key. Before you do this, make sure the front wheels are pointed straight ahead.
Step 3
Remove the steering wheel coverings that are covering the mounting screws for the air bag. With a Torx wrench, remove the screws, remove the air bag from the wheel, and unplug any electrical connectors.
Step 4
By unplugging the horn and cruise control electrical connectors, removing the wheel’s retaining nut with a wrench, marking the hub’s location in reference to the steering shaft with tape, then removing the wheel with a steering wheel puller, you may remove the steering wheel.
Step 6
With the use of a screwdriver, remove the ignition switch’s retaining screws from the lock cylinder’s housing.
The lock cylinder must still be in the Accessory position while you install the replacement ignition switch into the casing and tighten the retaining screws. Connect the switch’s electrical connectors.
Using their Phillips screws, attach the steering column covers to the column.
Connect the air bag to the wheel using its electrical connector and Torx screws after mounting the steering wheel to the column.
- Haynes North America’s “Chilton Toyota Camry Repair Manual,” 2005
- Turn the spiral cable of the steering column counterclockwise until it is difficult to turn, then turn it clockwise 2 1/2 degrees to line up the arrows before reinstalling the steering wheel. Put the wheel on the shaft after lining up the marks on the hub and steering shaft, tighten the nut, and connect the horn and cruise control connectors.
- flat-head screwdriver
- tool for Phillips screws
- Torx tool
- Pulling the steering wheel
- Tape
How do you take the Toyota Camry’s ignition key out?
Try pressing the brake pedal and shifting between park and neutral while moving the gear shift lever. steering wheel movement is also somewhat made. All of this should be done while turning and pulling the ignition key.
Is a new key necessary for a new ignition switch?
Is a new key necessary for a new ignition switch? Yes. The keys that arrive with a new ignition will need to be configured to function with your car. If not all of the locks as well as the ignition cylinder are being replaced, you will need to keep your current key in order to unlock the doors.
How can a defective ignition switch be detected?
Signs of a Malfunctioning Ignition Switch
- The engine won’t turn on.
- Vehicle starts up before abruptly stalling.
- Loss of lighting and other accessories on occasion.
- Starter motor that is quiet.
- Turning the Key Is Hard.
- Lock/Off.
- Accessory.
- Run.
Without a key, how do you remove an ignition switch?
Your car’s ignition lock cylinder is an essential part. Despite how crucial it is, most car owners don’t give it enough thought. They neglect it until eventually it breaks down, at which point you are unable to operate it correctly or start your car. You might then need to replace it.
Removing it is a reasonably easy job if you have the key. The procedure necessitates some more steps without it.
Tools You’ll Need To Change An Ignition Key Lock Without A Key
You must ensure that you have the necessary tools in order to correctly remove an ignition lock cylinder without a key:
- energy drill
- drilling bit
- philips screwdriver
Step OneBattery Disconnection
Disconnecting the battery is the first step in removing or replacing an ignition lock cylinder without a key. This is a preventative measure to ensure that nothing in your automobile shorts out or that you receive an electric shock.
Step TwoSteering Wheel Removal
The next step is to remove the steering wheel from your car so you can fully access the lock cylinder. After removing the steering wheel’s upper and lower covers with all of the screws attached, push the wheel upward and pull at the central cover. The car horn’s wires are now free to be disconnected.
Pull the steering wheel entirely out of its shaft after ensuring that the nuts and washers are stored in a secure location.
Step FiveElectrics to Ignition Switch disconnection
In order to remove the ignition switch, locate and detach the mounting screws for it.
Make sure to carefully unplug each wire from its corresponding connector on the ignition switch’s bottom. To remove the switch, loosen the tabs.
Step SixMounting Bolts Removal
To remove the mounting bolts or screws from the ignition switch, use a socket wrench or screwdriver. The housing and switch assembly that houses the lock cylinder must be completely unbolted.
The majority of car models come with universal, replaceable lock cylinders. These may be removed rather quickly by inserting a pin into the release mechanism.
Step SevenCheck the Ignition Switch Housing Mounting Bolts
Depending on the manufacturer, some car models include snap-off safety bolt heads that are simple to remove. This part’s purpose is to stop burglars from breaking into your automobile and changing the ignition lock so they can start it without a key. For the ignition switch to be removed from the steering wheel column, you might need to utilize a power drill with extractors that are designed to loosen nuts.
Step EightKey Cylinder Locking
Take a paperclip that has been straightened and place it in the ignition lock cylinder’s slot before rotating it counterclockwise. As a result, the cylinder is locked and the ignition cannot turn on.
Step NineScrewdriver
Utilizing your screwdriver, access the ignition lock cylinder. As much as you can, rotate it in a clockwise motion. Then, yank the paperclip as far to the right as you can. The switch should then be simple to slide out after that.
This is truly all there is to it. If you have an older car and have never worked on the ignition lock cylinder before, it might not be the easiest thing to do. This is due to the fact that the cylinder will have a lot of accumulated dust and debris.
Step 10Replacing the Ignition Lock Cylinder
Whether or not an ignition lock cylinder without a key has to be cleaned and replaced will all rely on the various parts and how they are doing. If everything appears to be in order and to be functioning properly following a thorough cleaning and oiling, you can use the same keys to rebuild it. It might be necessary to purchase a new ignition switch, though.
You should keep in mind that it may be a good idea to contact with a manufacturer dealership for advice on how to get replacement keys unless you are certain that any generic ignition switch lock cylinder (or the individual components you need to replace) will work in your automobile. To ensure that you receive the correct item, be sure to include the exact model, year, and manufacturer of your car along with the VIN number.
When the key won’t turn, how can an ignition cylinder be removed?
Before calling a locksmith, try the following steps if your car’s ignition lock cylinder won’t turn.
- Request a new mechanical key from the closest dealership with your vehicle registration and a photo ID (a key with no transponder chip). Try using the new key to spin the ignition lock cylinder next. Frequently, worn-out keys rather than a broken ignition lock cylinder are to blame when the ignition lock won’t spin.
- Try spraying WD40 into the ignition lock cylinder and jiggling the ignition with the newly produced key if the ignition lock cylinder won’t turn with the new key.
- Try pushing the ignition lock cylinder if the new mechanical key alone wasn’t enough to make the ignition turn. Spray WD40 into the ignition lock cylinder, insert a new mechanical key partially, and then bump the remaining portion of the key into the ignition lock cylinder using the handle of a hefty screwdriver to bump the ignition lock (rubber handle works best). One or two misaligned wafers lodged inside the cylinder often result in a jammed ignition lock cylinder that prevents the lock from spinning. The stuck wafers will probably be released by giving the ignition lock cylinder a few bumps, allowing the ignition lock to turn once more.
If you were able to turn on the ignition lock, don’t turn it off again since you might not be able to turn it on again if it becomes stuck again. Once the ignition lock is in the “on” position, the majority of vehicle ignition lock cylinders are simple to remove and replace. At this point, if you consider yourself a handy person, we advise you to view a few YouTube videos on how to replace the ignition on your year and type of vehicle. If not, you should contact a reputable locksmith to have your ignition lock fixed or replaced.
There are various things you can take to prevent becoming locked out of your automobile, however many of them necessitate planning.
- Make a copy of a mechanical key (a key without a transponder chip) and conceal it somewhere outside the car (for example you can remove the back license plate and use duct tape to tape a mechanical key to the back of the plate and install it back on).
- Give a neighbor or acquaintance a spare key. Typically, it will be less expensive to have the spare key delivered to you or picked up by you than it will be to call a locksmith to come out to your location.
- It is worth a shot if you have On Star service because they can frequently unlock your car remotely. Just give them a ring, and they’ll help you unlock the automobile.
- These days, a lot of aftermarket alarm systems (like Viper and Directed) come with a phone app that you can download to your phone and use to lock and unlock your vehicle.
We advise calling a local locksmith to unlock your automobile if you ever find yourself locked out. Your door’s paint and rubber seal could suffer severe damage if you try to unlock the automobile on your own.
Important vehicle key information can assist you understand how to replace them in the event that they are lost or stolen.
The vast majority of automobile keys can be created on site by a locksmith, although not all of them can (certain keys can only be made by a dealer due to dealer regulations).
Please read some of our other articles after reading this one as well.
IGNITION SWITCH WON’T TURN WHEN KEY HAS BEEN INSERTED
The steering wheel might need to be moved back and forth. Because one of the front wheels is angled against a curb, the steering column may be binding. The load this places on the steering linkage could be enough to bind the ignition switch and column lock.
The ignition switch may not turn due to a worn key (or the wrong key). Try your extra key in the ignition switch to check whether it works if you have one. If the backup key functions, the ignition switch is not the issuethe it’s key. Get a fresh copy of the spare key made, then throw away the old one. A lock smith might be able to make you a new key using a key code from the owner’s manual or the car manufacturer if you don’t have a spare. If that is not an option, a new set of keys and the key cylinder in the ignition switch must be installed.
Lubricating the ignition switch may help if it is binding (difficult to turn in either direction). Use a nonconductive lubricant, such as electronics cleaning or dielectric silicon grease. WARNING: Avoid using penetrating oil or graphite as these may cause the electrical connections inside the switch to get shorted.
IGNITION SWITCH TURNS ON BUT ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK
If nothing happens when the ignition switch is turned to the “start” position, there may be a problem with the ignition switch or an issue with the starting circuit.
First, do the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminate when the key is switched to the ON position? No warning lights or other electrical activity could point to a dead battery or loose or corroded battery wires. Attempt to turn on the headlights. No lights? The battery or battery connection is then the issue.
If the headlights function, an electrical issue with the ignition switch, ignition switch circuit (wiring or fuse), or an issue with the beginning circuit, rather than the battery, is the issue (bad relay, solenoid, wiring or starter).
IGNITION SWITCH TURNS ON AND ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START
The fuel pump circuit, ignition circuit, engine computer, or anti-theft fault are likely the source of this issue.
The computer is not recognizing the key or key fob if the anti-theft light is flashing, which prevents the engine from starting. This can be caused by a malfunctioning key reader in the ignition switch, a broken smart key or key fob, or a wiring issue between the switch and computer. In order for the computer to accurately identify the smart key or key fob, it may be necessary to reprogram the computer in some vehicles. An anti-theft system cannot be defeated because it is permanently wired into the machine.
The computer may be recognizing the key if the anti-theft light is NOT blinking when you try to start the engine and the engine is turning normally. However, the engine may not be starting because it is not receiving fuel or spark. Make sure the fuel gauge is not set to empty by checking it. Have fuel? When you turn the key in the ignition, pay attention for the fuel pump to buzz. If there is no buzz, there is a problem with the wiring, relay, or gasoline pump. The engine may also be unable to start due to an issue with the ignition system, such as a defective crankshaft position sensor, ignition control module, or computer. For more information on these topics, see the related articles.
A bad starter or low voltage to the starter (check the battery and cable connections) are the issues if the engine cranks, but considerably more slowly than usual.
ENGINE STARTS AND RUNS NORMALLY, BUT SUDDENLY DIES WHILE DRIVING
One of the most typical signs of a worn ignition switch is this. Due to heat or vibration, worn contacts inside the switch could momentarily lose voltage (as when driving on a rough road or hitting a bump). The engine will stutter, misfire, or shut off if the ignition switch loses power.
Ignition switches deteriorate with regular use. You use the ignition switch more frequently the more you drive. The electrical contacts inside the switch may become worn or corroded after many years and miles, leading to weak or inconsistent electrical contact.
Heavy key rings that put extra stress on the switch might exacerbate the wear issue. The switch is twisted and pulled by a sizable, heavy key ring that swings and rocks as you drive. This will hasten wear over time and eventually result in the ignition switch failing.
ADVICE: Try to make your key ring as light as you can. Avoid carrying unnecessary extra keys, fobs, remote controls, pendants, jewelry, or other items on your key ring.
KEY WON’T COME OUT OF THE SWITCH WHEN YOU TURN THE ENGINE OFF
There may be binding in the steering column lock causing this. When you feel the steering wheel “click” into a locked position, try moving it back and forth. The key should now be free to be taken out of the switch. If the problem persists, it can be a broken column locking mechanism or one or more pins that are stuck inside the key lock cylinder.
KEY IS BROKEN OFF INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH
The best course of action in this situation is to locate a lock smith and ask them to try to extract the damaged key from the ignition switch.
If the broken key can be properly extracted, you can make a new key out of the old one or utilize a spark key (if you have one) to do so (which may or may not be possible depending on the damage). You will need to purchase a new lock cylinder and keys if a new key cannot be created from the damaged key and you do not already have a spare.
The new key will need to be programmed to the computer if your car has a smart key. To get the computer set up to recognize the new key, you will typically need to tow your car to a new car dealer or another authorized repair shop.