Ignition replacement/swap

DODGEPODGE

MEMBER
1994 DODGE CARAVAN
3.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Ignition went bad. No spring tension. So I tore most of it out not having done this before. So now I turn it with a screw driver and have to jump the starter with a screwdriver. I called Chrysler and they want $140.00 for just the key part, no thanks. I do not see how the mechanical part separates from the electrical part. I went to the local junkyard and found another one with a key. What are the chances? God must have been paying attention for once? The wires are the same color but the one I found from the junk yard is missing one of the wires. And the numbers are different. But what I need to know is, do I need to look at a wiring diagram for the vehicle that I took the ignition off of to see if the wires go to the exact same place as mine? I do not want an electrical fire. Thanks all.

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9 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon.

Yes, you can change just the key part of the ignition switch.

Procedure below.

Roy

1. On models with tilt column, remove tilt lever.
2. On all models, remove three upper and lower cover attaching screws, then the covers.

Fig. 6 Ignition Lock & Switch Removal
imageZoom/Print

3. Remove three ignition switch attaching screws with tamper proof Torx bit Snap-On tool No. TTXR20A2, or equivalent then carefully pull switch away from column.
4. Disconnect and remove ignition switch wiring connector.
5. Remove Lock cylinder from ignition switch as follows:
a. Insert key and place ignition switch in Lock position.

Fig. 7 Ignition Lock Key Cylinder Retaining Pin
imageZoom/Print

b. Use a small screwdriver to depress key cylinder retaining pin flush with key cylinder surface.
C. On all models, rotate key clockwise to Off position. Although cylinder will be unseated do not attempt to remove yet.
D. Rotate key to counterclockwise Lock position, then remove key.
E. Remove key cylinder.

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Monday, August 27th, 2018 AT 11:44 AM

DODGEPODGE

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78 POSTS

Well Roy, I gave it the old college try, but it did not work out. I got the cylinder out and tried to put the one in that I got out of the junk yard and with my luck they were not the same. Now maybe you can look at the other part of my question about the numbers on the electrical part of the locks. Because if I can replace the whole thing that would probably work. But it is the numbers I am worried about. I do not want to risk a fire. Do you know anything about the numbers or how can I check? Or do a cross reference? Thanks.

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Monday, August 27th, 2018 AT 3:56 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Here is what I found.

Roy

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Monday, August 27th, 2018 AT 4:07 PM

DODGEPODGE

MEMBER
78 POSTS

Yes, in that first image that is the electrical part of the ignition. But hat does not mean that is the right one either. And I am not buying anymore parts. I just need to know about the numbers on the switches that I have? How can I cross reference them? Maybe someone else will see my question and know. Thanks though.

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Monday, August 27th, 2018 AT 4:39 PM

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