Broken Ignition rod

JPSEDDY

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

I got into my car the other day and when I turned they key, it turned back and forth without any resistance. I first thought it was a mechanical problem in my lock cylinder. That was not the problem, so I figured it must be the switch. That was not the problem because when I pulled out the old switch, I found the end of turn rod was sheared off and stuck in the switch. The questions is, how do I get the rod out of the lock cylinder housing and replace it?

I read something that said I need to take apart the steering wheel and column. My ignition is not in my steering wheel, but next to it.

I see that the casing is very connected to everything. I also tried pulling on the rod that is still in there and it moved back and forth quite a bit. I have attached some photos to help show what I am talking about.

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7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,
There is a release on the cylinder. Take a look at the attached picture.

A. Place the ignition key at the ACC position.
B. Push down the stop pin with a screwdriver, and pull out the key cylinder.
C. Install a new key cylinder.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 10:42 PM

JPSEDDY

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hey Joe,

I was not sure if you got my other response. I have easily been able to remove the Lock Cylinder. That part works great. When I took out the Ignition Switch, there was a piece of the Rod that runs between the Lock Cylinder and the Ignition Switch - That piece sheared off so there is no mechanical connection between the Lock Cylinder and the Ignition Switch.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts.

Thanks!

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Monday, December 16th, 2019 AT 2:24 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

Is that what I see in pic 4 of the last post I received? I don't even know if you can purchase that part separately. Actually, I believe the switch comes with that part.

Can you confirm if the pic I'm looking at is correct?

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Monday, December 16th, 2019 AT 5:16 PM

JPSEDDY

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Picture 4 shows the back of the casing where the Ignition Switch attaches. The piece in the small hole is the back of the rod where it sheered off - See Little Piece in picture 3. Pictures 5 and 6 show the opposite side of the Picture 4. These two pictures show the end of the rod that fits in the Lock Cylinder.

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Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 AT 12:23 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

I have to be honest. I don't even think that part is available. Have you tried contacting a dealer near you? You may end up having to get the entire switch / tumbler from a salvage yard. Try a dealer first. This isn't going to be an after market part. Let me know what you find. If there is a u-pull it type salvage yard near you, I would visit and see if they have a car like yours.

Let me know.
Joe