I have a 74' hatchback with a slight issue. A few days ago my key lock cylinder stopped working. It wont allow my key to go in all the way, so obviously I cant start my car. Does anybody know how to remove the cylinder?
Thanks, Josh
have you tried putting powdered graphite in the lock cyl? or WD 40 ( i dont recommend that myself). other wise you just remove the steering wheel, then the turnsignal Cam, and remove the screw retaining the lock cyl. Not sure if that requires the key to be in it, as some lock's require you to put the key in and turn to ACC to remove it. Good luck hope any of this helps some
Quote from: 75bobcatv6 on September 01, 2010, 09:51:50 PM
have you tried putting powdered graphite in the lock cyl? or WD 40 ( i dont recommend that myself). other wise you just remove the steering wheel, then the turnsignal Cam, and remove the screw retaining the lock cyl. Not sure if that requires the key to be in it, as some lock's require you to put the key in and turn to ACC to remove it. Good luck hope any of this helps some
I've tried unsuccesfully to get it to free up but im afraid it needs replaced. Thanks for the speedy response 75bobcatv6
Im sure others will chime in and help you any way they can. im only telling you what ive experienced myself. usually its pretty straight forward. but some cars require you to have the key in and turned to the ACC position.
If you don't have the key or can't get the key to into the tumbler it's a real job getting the old cylinder out. I had to do my 1980 last year since I lost the keys. Without taking the steering wheel off I can't quite remember. I'm sure someone out there can help
I had a jammed lock cylinder on my 78 a few years ago. Had to replace the entire cylinder housing section of the steering column because I really messed it up guessing about how to remove it to put a new one in. This was before I got hooked on FP.com though. :P
There is a pin that is part of the cylinder which keeps it in place. In order to depress the pin and remove the cylinder you have to turn the key to accessory. Not only does turning the key to accessory allow you to depress the pin, but it also frees the latching end of the cylinder from the ignition switch rod. If you can't turn it to accessory you will end up having to do what I did and replace the cylinder housing section of the column.
Here's what I would do if you can't manage to get your key in using a graphite type lubricant....Drill out the retaining pin that you would normally depress, 1/8" size bit. Don't go to far or you will go all the way into the tumbler assembly! Once you have it drilled out, again this is if your key refuses to go in, force the ignition forwards into accessory with a flat blade screw driver so you can rotate and release the latching end of the cylinder from the switch rod. It's difficult to explain, I really should have taken pictures of how it all works when I had it apart.
I don't guarantee it will work, but it's worth a shot if bad goes to worse. If all else fails, Fred can get you a new cylinder housing with a working key, I'm sure he has plenty of them. If not, I can get you one from a Mustang II. I have the ignition keys to the one at the junk yard but I haven't gone out to pull the cylinder yet.
When I did mine a few years back I had to drill the pin out to remove it, but I got lucky and the new key opened the doors and back hatch on my wagon!!
what usually cause them to stop working is a pin wheres out and gets jammed so try a pick and jiggling it a bit and air compressor
or try a jiggler type pick to get it to turn
Thanks Dave1987, i got the junk cylinder out with my trusty dewalt drill and some choice words. I'd like to thank everyone who had input to share. I wouldnt last very long as a Pinto owner without the information available on this site ;D
we're all glad to help any way we are able to . glad you got it out. good luck with the replacement
I remember what I did now....I drilled the tumbler where the key goes in. A lot of people don't realize those things are soft and drill out easy. Actually that works on most any lock. You use a drill bit big enough to drill the section out that has all the pins in it. Once the pins are out I used a large flat blade screw driver to turn the cylinder. I should do a video on that...lol
Hey no problem Josh, that's the greatest thing about this club. It's what got me hooked on these forums! I had a tough issue with my 78 and everyone pitched in with info and cheered me on when I made progress or finished something big on the car. We've got a great group here and I hope to hear more about your ride and see more posts from you. Glad to hear you got it done and are back in gear again! :D
Drilling works but its messy...be sure to sweep up all the metal shavings you create!
-beegle55