Ignition Lock: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Metric steering shaft identification:

Fig. 2 Compressing lock plate & removing snap ring:

Fig. 3 Lock cylinder removal. Models less ignition switch retaining screw:

Fig. 4 Lock cylinder removal. Models with ignition lock retaining screw:

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Apply tape to painted areas of steering column.
3. Remove steering wheel nut and washer.
4. Paint or scribe an alignment mark on steering wheel and steering column.
5. Using a suitable puller, remove steering wheel.
6. Using screwdrivers, pry lock plate cover from steering column.
7. Compress lock plate and remove steering shaft snap ring as follows:
a. Check and identify steering shaft nut thread type. Metric type steering shafts have an identifying groove in the steering wheel locating splines.
b. If steering shaft is not a metric type, use lock plate compressor tool No. J-23653 to compress lock plate and remove snap ring.
c. If the steering shaft is of the metric type, replace compressor tool bolt with metric forcing bolt J-23653-A before installing compressor tool onto steering shaft. The lock plate is under strong spring tension. Do not attempt to remove the steering shaft snap ring without using the specified lock plate compressor tool.
8. Remove compressor tool and snap ring.
9. Remove lock plate, canceling cam, and upper bearing preload spring.
10. Remove turn signal lever.
11. Press hazard warning knob inward, turn knob counterclockwise and remove from steering shaft.
12. Remove turn signal switch attaching screws and position switch aside.
13. Position lock cylinder in On position.
14. Remove key warning switch switch and retaining clip with needle nose pliers or other suitable tool. Do not attempt to remove switch and clip separately, as clip could may drop into steering column jacket.
15. On models less lock cylinder retaining screw, rotate lock cylinder two detents clockwise beyond the Off-Unlock position. Insert a thin blade screwdriver through slot in steering column, then depress lock cylinder retaining tab and remove lock cylinder.
16. On models with lock cylinder retaining screw, remove screw and pull lock cylinder from housing.
17. Reverse procedure to install. On models with lock cylinder retaining screw, torque screw to 40 inch lbs.