How to Replace an Ignition Switch

Last Updated: September 23, 2022 References Approved

A faulty ignition switch in your vehicle can cause several problems ranging from your car stalling and all lights going dark to the radio not working unless the key is wiggled from side to side. Once you’ve been able to identify the ignition switch as the source of your trouble, replacing it is often a fairly straightforward process that requires only common hand tools. You should consult an application specific repair manual before starting this project on your own.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Taking Apart the Interior

1
Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Locate the battery in the engine bay or trunk of your vehicle. It will look like a black box with a positive (+) and negative (-) post sticking out of the top of it. Use an appropriate sized wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable on the negative (-) terminal and then slide it off the post.^{[1]
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- You don’t need to remove the positive cable from its terminal.
- Tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to make sure it doesn’t accidentally come into contact with the terminals.
EXPERT TIP

"If your ignition switch is going bad, your key might not turn in the ignition, and the vehicle may not turn over when you crank it."

Jason Shackelford
Auto Technician
Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience.

Jason Shackelford
Auto Technician
2
Remove the trim around the steering wheel. There are likely a number of plastic trim pieces between you and the ignition switch. Remove them carefully by either popping them off of their plastic clips or removing the screws and bolts that hold those pieces in place.^{[2]
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- Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how best to gain access to the ignition switch.
- Set all trim pieces aside somewhere safe where they won’t get stepped on or damaged.
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3
Take the steering wheel out if it’s in the way. In some vehicles, you may be able to replace the ignition switch without removing the steering wheel. However, if you’re unable to get access to the top of the ignition switch with all the interior trim pieces removed, the steering wheel may need to come out. Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how to safely remove your steering wheel from the vehicle.^{[3]
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- It’s important to get vehicle-specific guidance on steering wheel removal to avoid damaging the airbag or even accidentally setting it off.
- You can purchase vehicle specific repair manuals at your local auto parts store.
- On some vehicles, you'll need a special tool called a steering wheel puller to remove it.
4
Release the clips on the ignition module cover. There may be a plastic cover surrounding the ignition module in your vehicle. If so, press the release on the clips found on either side of the cover (it’s round, so they’ll be found 180 degrees opposite of one another). You may need to press the top release with a screwdriver if it’s too difficult to access with your fingers.^{[4]
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- With the releases pressed, slide the cover out over the ignition module.
- Set it aside someplace safe until you need to reassemble the dash.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Ignition Switch

1
Insert the key and turn it to the “accessory” position. The ignition switch needs to be set to the accessory position before you can release it from the ignition module. The “accessory” position is before the starter is engaged, and would normally let you run the vehicle’s electronics without the engine running (when the battery is connected).^{[5]
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- The key may be stuck in the ignition switch, but that shouldn’t stop you from turning it.
- If you don’t have a key, you will need to force the module to turn using a flathead screwdriver.
2
Press the release pin inside the hole on the ignition module with a screwdriver. Look over the top of the ignition module until you find a hole that’s slightly smaller in diameter than a pencil. Insert the screwdriver into the hole to press down on the release pin inside.^{[6]
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- If you don’t have a small enough screwdriver, you can use anything long and thin enough to press the pin, including a paintbrush handle or even a kabob skewer.
- Don’t use anything brittle that may break inside the hole to try to press the pin.
3
Slide the ignition switch out. With the release pin pressed, pull the ignition switch straight out of its place beneath the steering wheel. It should come without any resistance, but it’s not unusual for it to stick a bit in older vehicles that have accumulated a lot of dust and debris around the cylinder.^{[7]
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- If the switch feels stuck, make sure you are pressing the release pin firmly enough with your screwdriver or similar tool inside the hole.
4
Have your ignition switch rebuilt if you want to keep the same keys. Some dealerships will rebuild your existing ignition switch if you would rather not have to switch ignition keys. Rebuilding your switch can vary in price based on the application and may not always be available.^{[8]
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- A rebuilt switch should work just as well as a new one.
- The only real benefit of a rebuilt switch is not having to use new keys.
5
Purchase a new ignition switch if yours can’t be rebuilt. Only some dealerships will rebuild an ignition switch and they often can’t for all vehicles, so rebuilding yours may not be an option. In that case, you will need to get a new switch from a manufacturer specific dealership that will also provide you with new ignition keys to match. Provide the dealership with the year, make, and model of your vehicle along with the VIN number to be sure to get the right part.^{[9]
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- You can sometimes get aftermarket ignition switches from your local auto parts store as well.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Installing a Replacement

1
Squeeze the release pin on the ignition switch so it’s flush with the side. The same release pin that stopped the switch from coming out now needs to be pressed in so you can slide the switch into place inside the ignition module. Just press it down with your thumb.^{[10]
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- Hold the release pin in until you have the switch inserted.
- Some switches have an angled release pin that you don’t have to press down as you slide the switch in.
2
Slide the ignition switch into its hole. The new or rebuilt switch should slide easily back into its hole on the steering column. Align the shape of the cylinder and the location of the release pin with the coinciding grooves in the ignition module. Keep pressing it in until you hear the click of the release pin setting into place inside the steering column.^{[11]
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- If you don’t hear a click from the release pin, the ignition switch isn’t properly seated yet.
- You may need to push in on the switch a little to make it click into place.
3
Reconnect the battery and test the new switch. It’s best to test the switch before you completely reassemble the dashboard, just in case there’s an issue. Reconnect the cable to the negative (-) terminal on the battery, then insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the vehicle.^{[12]
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- The vehicle should start without any issue. If it doesn’t, remove the ignition switch and reinstall it.
4
Shut the engine off (if it starts) and disconnect the battery again. Now that you know the new ignition switch works, you can set about re-assembling your interior. Remove the cable from the negative terminal on the battery for safety while you work.^{[13]
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5
Put the dash back together in the opposite order of how it came apart. Dashboards are notorious for the use of overlapping plastic. Start by installing the last parts your removed and go backwards from there. Every vehicle’s interior goes together differently, so the order you install the parts will vary from application to application. If you find yourself having trouble getting the pieces to fit back together properly, refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for help.^{[14]
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- Be sure to use either the screws or clips to secure each piece as you go.
- Don’t force trim pieces together or they may break. If someone won’t go on properly, take it out and look things over to see what’s stopping it from seating properly.
6
Reconnect the battery. With the dashboard completely assembled and the new ignition switch working, reconnect the cable to the negative (-) terminal on the battery and tighten it with the right sized wrench.^{[15]
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- Make sure the cable is secure and can’t jiggle loose.