How do you remove the ignition lock/cylinder

[msm15]

1995 Camry LE 4 cylinder

My ignition lock is dying on me, how do I remove it ? I tried doing a search here but I got so many random hits and none were detailed. can someone point me towards a thread detailing the removal procedure ?

thanks

[Jimnist]

Is this a gen 3 or 4?

On my Gen2, you need to remove the lower covers and panels around the steering wheel (bottom first(right above where your shins are, then the steering column cover). After that you will see the lock cylinder and it's held on by 2 shear bolts (heads snap off when correct torque is reached at the factory). It's a bit awkward, but you can use a rotary hand tool with a cutting disc (really small, about 1.5cm in diameter) and cut slots into it so that you can screw the studs? (don't know that name, but a bolt, but with no hex head). But try using a chisel and mallet and see if you can put a slot in it like that.

If not, you could take the whole steering shaft out and drill off the head so it no longer holds on the shoulder.

Like i said, this was on my Gen 2 and may vary differently with your Camry.

[msm15]

gen 3 thanks for the post

[new echo owner]

If you are just replacing the lock cylinder, which is usually the problem, you just need to take the lower cover off, turn the key to the 'access' position, then push the lock pin through the hole in the ignition lock cylinder housing and the lock cylinder should come out.

N.E.O.

[teckjunkie]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

If you are just replacing the lock cylinder, which is usually the problem, you just need to take the lower cover off, turn the key to the 'access' position, then push the lock pin through the hole in the ignition lock cylinder housing and the lock cylinder should come out.

N.E.O.

What do you do when you have a key broken off in the switch and can not turn the key to the access position??? Please help...

[Knailgun]

look on the bottom of the column, there is a small metal pin that locks the cylinder in place when you turn the key, drill it out and it will slide out....It happened to my camry and tacoma......you'll need a pair of needle nose pliers to start it after, to turn the tab portion of the cylinder

[c32used]

This morning when I first tried to turn key it would only go to acc while steering column was unlocked...well my ex father inlaw when he tried to turn key he locked the steering wheel. since then the key OEM or new replacement didn't go all the way in cylinder using a rubber mallet it was pushed in...now key goes in but will not turn...what is the the possible issue?

[RU2CHKN]

Is your car an auto or manual?

[c32used]

Automatic

[omegahaze]

1997 Toyota Camry Key Wont turn, Ignition Lock problem -1997 toyota camry FIXED!!! I see a lot of Douches with a capital D trying to charge people to fix this extremely common issue with this Camry ignition cylinder. OK pull the plastic guard off encasing the steering column. Get a phillips head screwdriver and remove the 2 screws holding the little off-white connector at the rear of the module(it has the wires to the ignition running to it). Get a pair of pliers or a small crescent wrench and while trying to turn the key use the wrench to turn the little rod sticking out of the back of the module. Make sure your turning it WITH the direction the key is trying to turn it. It should immediate be freed. Wala IT WORKS! AND THATS WHY PEOPLE DONT TRUST MECHANICS! HOW CAN YOU CHARGE SOMEONE FOR THAT INFO?