Ignition Switch/lock replacement...

RomeovilleIL said:

The replacement is actually very easy, doubt it takes 2 minutes. Look at the bottom of the steering column - you'll see a hole with no screw in it on the passenger side. Place a screwdriver or punch about 3 inches into the hole until it rests on the spring loaded plunger. Turn the key to acc on, push the button up with the screwdriver (1/4" push), then the entire assembly will slide out. New ignition slides in the same way with the key in the ignition turned to acc on. If you already have 2 keys for your truck, you can easily program the new keys. If you only have 1 key, then the dealer or a locksmith with the correct computer will be needed to program the keys.

Click to expand...

Zack1978 said:

Thanks! I do have two keys for the truck, how do I use them to program it? Also with the new ign switch, it comes with new keys. I assume that I must use the new keys, but do the new keys usually have the chip?


Thanks,
Zack

Click to expand...

RomeovilleIL said:

The new ignition cylinder will come with 2 PATS keys. If you have 2 working ignition keys right now then programming the new ones won't be too challenging. First you need to have all the door closed and locked. Then using one of the working keys, turn the truck to run (don't start). Let it sit until the theft light turns off, maybe 30 seconds or so. Then turn back to off, switch to the second working key and repeat turning to run and waiting for theft light to turn off. You are now in programming mode. Pull the ignition cylinder out, swap in the new one with key and turn from lock to run. When theft light turns off the key is recognized. Turn back to lock and swap in second new key. Repeat turning to run and again wait for system to recognize the key. Start truck to end programming mode and verify keys work. Done in about 4-5 minutes.

If you have trouble trying to swap out the cylinders quickly enough for whatever reason, you can go route 2 which needs a little more prep, maybe 10 minutes: Take off the plastic column shroud by removing the 3 phillips screws from the bottom, unscrewing the tilt lever (its actually a steel bolt with knurled handle), and popping the top/bottom apart. Swap the cylinders as noted before leaving 1 new key in place. Now look at the lock cylinder. You will see there is a green or blue plastic "c"-shaped sensor with a wire running to it sitting on the cylinder. This the PATS key reader. You can pull it off the cylinder and hold it against the keys as you go through the off/on sequence. Start with sensor against the old working keys one at a time, then the new loose key and end by puting the sensor back in place and turning with the new key you have in the ignition. Once finished, snap the column covers back on, replace screws and tilt lever.

Click to expand...

Geo41 said:

Hi, new to the forum. I have a 2008 explorer with an ignition problem also. Somebody replaced the remote unlock unit with a generic one. It works but the ignition switch is probably bad. The seat goes back and forth, with the slightest movement of the switch. Mostly pushing in or turning. This is dangerous as it moves the seat back and forth while driving. Eddie Bouer, lot of plastic. How much trouble to replace the switch on this 2008. If I could I would disengage auto seat adjustment and be happy, but the problem seams to be in the ignition switch. All help would be appreciated. Just bought car as is. Thank you, Geo

Click to expand...

RomeovilleIL said:

The new ignition cylinder will come with 2 PATS keys. If you have 2 working ignition keys right now then programming the new ones won't be too challenging. First you need to have all the door closed and locked. Then using one of the working keys, turn the truck to run (don't start). Let it sit until the theft light turns off, maybe 30 seconds or so. Then turn back to off, switch to the second working key and repeat turning to run and waiting for theft light to turn off. You are now in programming mode. Pull the ignition cylinder out, swap in the new one with key and turn from lock to run. When theft light turns off the key is recognized. Turn back to lock and swap in second new key. Repeat turning to run and again wait for system to recognize the key. Start truck to end programming mode and verify keys work. Done in about 4-5 minutes.

If you have trouble trying to swap out the cylinders quickly enough for whatever reason, you can go route 2 which needs a little more prep, maybe 10 minutes: Take off the plastic column shroud by removing the 3 phillips screws from the bottom, unscrewing the tilt lever (its actually a steel bolt with knurled handle), and popping the top/bottom apart. Swap the cylinders as noted before leaving 1 new key in place. Now look at the lock cylinder. You will see there is a green or blue plastic "c"-shaped sensor with a wire running to it sitting on the cylinder. This the PATS key reader. You can pull it off the cylinder and hold it against the keys as you go through the off/on sequence. Start with sensor against the old working keys one at a time, then the new loose key and end by puting the sensor back in place and turning with the new key you have in the ignition. Once finished, snap the column covers back on, replace screws and tilt lever.

Click to expand...