How to change ignition switch

Tiny
LETY2014
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
  • 200,000 MILES
Lost my keys and I need instructions on changing the ignition switch.
Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 AT 12:37 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Did your keys have a grey head or a black head? If they were a grey head your going to have issues just trying to replace the ignition switch. Because the grey head has a chip and in it. With the new cylinder and key it is not going to start.

STEERING LOCK CYLINDER REMOVAL
1. Insert the key in the steering lock cylinder and turn it to the ACC position.
2. Using a small Phillips head screwdriver, pull the steering lock cylinder toward you.
>>A
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Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 AT 1:14 PM
Tiny
SHARRI JUSTICE
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  • 1 POST
Kelly Blue Book says my car is only worth $425.00. I need a neutral party to tell me if it is worth having the car towed to a dealership and new key made, all of which would cost roughly $180.00. Or should I scrap the car? It is my son's car and it has sat in the driveway for almost a year. It was running fine, starting to use oil when it was parked.
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-1
Wednesday, June 13th, 2018 AT 5:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com

That is a tough question to answer without knowing the car. If the only thing wrong with it is the key, you will not be able to replace the car with a good one for $180.00 dollars. I have to be honest, I think you asked this question via another vehicle's link. Can you provide me with more information on the vehicle, year, make, model, condition, miles. That all plays a role in its value. If it is a 1986 Yugo, I would say junk it. Lol However, I do not know what you are dealing with.

Let me know,
Joe
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Wednesday, June 13th, 2018 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
EASYE720
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
How do you change the ignition starter switch on a 2004 dodge stratus?
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 8:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
<> STEERING LOCK CYLINDER REMOVAL

Insert the key in the steering lock cylinder and turn it to the ACC position.
Using a small Phillips head screwdriver, pull the steering lock cylinder toward you
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 8:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ALANAT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
Direction signals, wiper, radio do not work unless I wiggle ignition key. Graphite powder helped but it does not always work Do I need a new ignition switch or is there a less expensive answer
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 7:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
It sounds like the (electrical) ignition switch may be bad. The tumbler where the key goes isn't the actual switch. I would have that checked.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 7:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LILREDPANINI
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  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE STRATUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
How do I remove the ignition switch and the cylinder in a Dodge Stratus.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,727 POSTS
Three torx screws under the steering column cover holding the two pieces snapped together, and one more holding the lower half to the column. Three tamper-proof torx screws holding the ignition switch to the column. When it's still in place, there will be a small silver roll pin pointing toward your face. Push that roll pin all the way in, (about 3/16"), and turn the key to "run" and the cylinder will pop out. When installing the cylinder into the new switch, turning it to "crank" will push the roll pin back out to lock the cylinder in place.

Be sure to check the electrical connector for signs of overheated terminals. They can be cut out of the plastic connector body and replaced individually.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GGDARCY
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  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 174,915 MILES
How do I replace the ignition lock cylinder in a dodge stratus 2001?
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
This requires that you work around an air bag, so make sure to disconnect the battery at least 30 minutes before working on the vehicke. Next, remove the steering wheel. Remove the steerung wheel. Once off, then you will be able to gain access to the tumbler.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TJACKELS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 DODGE STRATUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
How hard is it to change the ignition switch on a 1996 dodge stratus? I was told it's very difficult to do without setting off the airbag
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Be smart have a pro shop do it -who knows it might activate on you
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM (Merged)

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