Need help video on removing my ignition switch

JULIE DAVIS2

MEMBER
2002 DODGE INTREPID
3.0L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I have to replace my ignition switch and cannot find a video on how to do this. I had a friend try and he could not get it off, he got two screws off and said the last one he had no idea how. I assume it was a strange kind of screw or he was messed up. Please help

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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017 AT 4:07 PM

13 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,877 POSTS

Hello,

There is not a video of this job being done so I have found these instructions from the manual for you.

Disconnect negative cable from battery.
Remove tilt lever attaching screw. Remove lever.
Remove upper and lower cover from steering column.
Remove Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) if equipped.
Remove multi-function switch.
Disconnect electrical connector from ignition switch (Fig. 33).
Remove Ignition switch mounting screws. Remove switch.

Remove the tilt lever attaching screw. Remove lever.
Remove the upper and lower covers from the steering column.
Turn the ignition key to the run position. When ignition switch is in the run position, the lock cylinder retaining tab will depress.

INSTALLATION
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder.
A tab on the ignition switch indexes to a notch in the lock cylinder housing (Fig. 34). Also, a slot in the end of the ignition switch fits over the shaft in the end of the lock cylinder housing. Use the ignition key to rotate the lock cylinder to align the ignition switch with lock cylinder housing.
Install and tighten ignition switch mounting screws.
Attach electrical connector to ignition switch.
Install multi-function switch.
Install SKIM if equipped.
Install upper and lower cover on steering column.
Install tilt lever.
Connect negative cable to battery.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 8:59 PM

DEB THOMAS

MEMBER
7 POSTS
2001 DODGE INTREPID
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

How do you change the ignition switch?

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 9:01 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

The steering wheel needs removed to access the switch assembly. Because of the air bag, make sure to disconnect the battery and allow the vehicle to sit for about thirty minutes. If you do not the air bag could deploy. Also, if you have a factory security system, the computer will need to be reprogrammed to recognize the new key.

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 9:01 PM (Merged)

WILLMC8609

MEMBER
4 POSTS
2002 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

2002 Dodge Intrepid six cylinder front wheel drive automatic 175,000 miles

Okay I have this car for a while the key would sometimes not turn but if you wiggled it, it would work, well now it will not turn at all for nothing, so is it that I need a new keyed ignition or what?

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 9:01 PM (Merged)

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Ignition cylinder key need to be replaced if cannot turn best bet is to have a lock smith replace it for you as they can key the new lock so you can keep the same key
and there will be no need for any security system resets
or parts to be replaced.

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 9:01 PM (Merged)

RBURR

MEMBER
1 POST

This is a common problem on this car (and many Chrysler's). I have had the problem twice on my 180,000 mile 1999 Intrepid. It is widely reported.

You need to have the ignition lock cylinder removed and cleaned. That is all. I soaked it in brake cleaner, blew it out with compressed air and it went from not turning at all to brand new smooth operation. I can also now get the cylinder out of this car in about five minutes!

This is a design flaw that is intolerant of dirt and grime in the cylinder. The key will stick and get progressively worse until it stops turning completely and you are stuck.

Locksmith will be about $150.00 to $200.00. If he gets you new keys a lot more! My solution is free if you do it yourself and maybe $30.00 if you have a mechanic do it. What have you got to lose? Good luck!

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 9:01 PM (Merged)

HTILOVE

MEMBER
1 POST

I just went through this.

I changed the ignition lock (cost like $14.00) and got a new key. Forget re-tumbling, just use the new key.

This worked without problems for about a week, then the problem was back.

We figured out the problem. So simple.

There is a locking mechanism near the ignition lock, that is controlled by the button on the shifter. When the shifter is in park, the plunger should snap back, allowing the ignition lock to turn back and release the key. The plunger was not snapping back.

Now, the expensive answer would be to replace the cable between the shifter and the steering wheel. But that means placing the car on a lift and a few hours work.

I used some WD40 on the shifter button and voila thirty minutes, no money and problem solved!

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 AT 9:01 PM (Merged)

IGNITION