Broken ignition switch

[Valyndiir]

My ignition switch is broken. When I turn the key into the crank position it just sits there without springing back. So I pull the steering wheel off to find this notched plate, that goes around the spline, that i cannot remove. This seems to be a locking mechanism of some sort because the steering wheel lock pin inside the column fits into it when you turn the plate. The only screw I can find is the screw for the turn signal arm. I can upload pics if you need, but I cannot figure out how to get this thing off and I cannot find a how-to anywhere. I don't want to break anything. Please help!

[bru333]

Standard column or tilt? Just a few differences between them. The screw you are looking for is under all that stuff (lock plate, cancelling cam, turn signal switch)

[ColdBird]

I went through hell trying to get one of those off on the dodge. Not even listed in the haynes book. Never did get it off, but i guess they make some special tools for it.

[pete]

There is a spring clip that holds the wheel lock plate down, you need to press the plate down with one hand, and with your other two hands remove the clip. Then you can release the plate, there is a spring under it about the size of a valve spring so it takes alot of umph to press it down.

Now back to reality, there is a simple u-shaped tool that threads onto the steering column and presses the plate down, you can borrow it at a parts store or just buy it, its around 5 bucks. Once you get the plate off, the lock cyclinder is held in with a single torx screw (maybe a #10), so you'll need a set of torx drivers too.

Make sure you keep all parts in order as you remove them in order to put it all back together again.

[Squat13]

Never mind..... I though you had a fourth gen

[Valyndiir]

Standard column or tilt? Just a few differences between them. The screw you are looking for is under all that stuff (lock plate, cancelling cam, turn signal switch)

Tilt column. Yeah I don't think it will be hard to get to if I can get this lock plate off.

there is a simple u-shaped tool that threads onto the steering column and presses the plate down,

Any idea what this tool is called? I can't believe this guy at the autoshop told me, "yah it isn't hard and only takes about half an hour!!" and all he gave me was a new ignition switch.

[bru333]

Any idea what this tool is called?

I don't know what it is called. This may help.

u-shaped tool that threads onto the steering column and presses the plate down

[Valyndiir]

I don't know what it is called. This may help.

Yeah, I will print this out and show it to the guys at the shop, thanks!!

[Maverick_82]

I could tell you how you could still use it; but would you be bothered by the thought of hotwiring?