Replaced ignition cylinder and housing (lost keys)?

I damaged and mostly removed the metal backed plastic plate behind the wheel clock just in front of the ignition housing to get to the ignition housing bolts. I put in the new ignition, but when I turn the key I only get the battery light coming on for the dashboard, I'm not able to do the ignition re-learn procedure. Also, (not sure if this matters) I have power when I turn the key for everything but the dash lights, dash backlight, and the heat/AC unit.
Does this plate need to be in place for the ignition to function or is it possibly something else? I did notice that there is a spring-loaded button that was pressed up to the metal plate that I damaged and removed so I'm assuming it's a part of the wheel clock? (Idk) I marked it with an arrow in the pic I'm sending. The plastic plate the (brass? /Copper?) Button is up against is where the metal plate was attached. I tried sending a pic but I'm having problems uploading.