2001 Subaru Outback ignition cylinder

Tiny
CBRAVOACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I was at the gas station and my steering wheel locked, I put my key in to unlock but the key will not turn. Wheels are turned towards left. I asked a friend to stop by to check it out because I couldn't get it to do anything, he said I needed to replace the ignition switch. I got the car towed home. Any suggestions on How to replace the ignition switch without the key turning? I cannot afford to take it to a shop.
Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 5:01 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Does the ignition switch turn?
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 5:16 AM
Tiny
CBRAVOACE
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The key will go in fine, but it will not turn.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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This may sound stupid, but have you tried a different key? I've seen them wear out.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 5:30 AM
Tiny
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I did indeed, someone had said the same thing. I had a spare at the house and I tried it yesterday afternoon and it will still not turn.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 5:33 AM
Tiny
CBRAVOACE
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When I bought the car I don't believe I got the original to begin with. I was only given one key which looked like a copy.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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One last thing before replacing the tumbler. Have you tried spraying a lubricant in the tumbler? They make a product just for key tumblers.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
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  • 8 POSTS
No I have not. Where could I buy something from?
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Any parts store should have it. Just tell a person that works there what you need it for and they will help find it.

It's a long shot, but it may help. NOTE: I assume you moved the steering wheel around and things like that.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
CBRAVOACE
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  • 8 POSTS
Yes, I went to the part store and purchased a lubricant. It still did not work. Yes, we've tried turning the steering wheel while turning the key and it doesn't work neither.
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Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I hate to say it, but it does sound like the tumbler needs replaced.
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 5:22 AM
Tiny
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Any suggestions on How to replace it at home?
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 5:31 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It should be a straight forward project. However, you do have an airbag in the steering wheel. Therefore, make sure you disconnect the battery at least 30 minutes before you start working on it. The air bag can deploy if the battery is connected and you do the wrong thing. Other than that, remove the steering wheel to gain access to the tumbler assembly.
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
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Do you have any suggetions on Where I can buy the part online a reasonable price? Autozone here wants $305
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Thursday, March 13th, 2014 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That is a good question. Try to do a google search. Most times it will bring up places that are selling the part you need. You can compare prices.
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Friday, March 14th, 2014 AT 8:44 AM

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