the steering wheel will lock and the key will come out, unless of course the ignition cylinder is broken
Chat with our AI personalities
No, not if it is not defective. If the ignition switch is defective then that is all you need to replace.
The ignition switch should be separate from the ignition key/lock assembly, so I'll say no.
That means you ignition is lock but its not a BIG problem. Just unlock it.
Ignition Switch Box or Ignition Switch Removal & Installation 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Remove the steering column shroud and lower the steering column. 3. Detach the ignition switch electrical hardness connector. 4. Remove 2 nuts retaining the ignition switch to the steering column housing. 5. Lift the ignition switch upward to disengage the actuator rod from the switch and remove the switch. To install: > When installing the ignition switch, both the locking mechanism at the top of the column and the switch itself must be in the LOCK position for correct adjustment. To hold the mechanical parts of the column in the LOCK position, move the shift lever into PARK (with automatic transmissions) or REVERSE (with manual transmissions), turn the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key. New replacement switches, when received, are pinned in the LOCK position by a metal shipping pin inserted in a locking hole on the side of the switch. 6. Engage the actuator rod in the ignition switch. 7. Place the ignition switch on the steering column housing and loosely install 2 retaining nuts. 8. Move the switch up or down along the column to locate the mid-position of the actuator rod lash, then tighten the retaining nuts to 47-64 inch. Lbs. (5-7 Nm). 9. Raise the steering column into position at instrument panel. Install steering column shroud. 10. Connect the negative battery cable. 11. Remove the locking pin, connect the battery cable, and verified that the engine will only crank in PARK and NEUTRAL. Also check to make certain the start circuit cannot be actuated in the DRIVE and REVERSE positions.
It sends a power to the starter relay/solenoid to engauge the starter. Know that the ignition switch is not what you put the key in and turn. That is the lock assembly. The ignition switch is located lower down on the steering column.