1988 Ignition removal without key

[mnewman]

I just got a (probable) parts truck. I did not get a key. Can I remove the ignition cylinder without destroying anything without having they key?

 

[19Walt93]

Not easily. I used to drill into the lock cylinder, screw a slide hammer in and beat the cylinder out, then install a new cylinder. Three things to count on: the sun will come up tomorrow, we'll all die someday, and salesmen can't keep track of keys.

 

[Dirtman]

If there was an easy way to remove the ignition cylinder with no key there wouldn't be much point to having one in the first place.

Drill it... sometimes on an older truck the tumblers are so worn you can just use another similar key and jiggle it enough to get it to turn.

Or you can remove the door lock cylinder (no key required) take that to a locksmith and have them make a new key. This of course only works if the door and ignition use the same key.

 

[mnewman]

That's about what I figured. I didn't think about trying the key from my other truck.

I didn't realize there was no key until he dropped it off. One of the reasons I bought the truck was for the tilt column and cruise control setup.

Damn it.

 

[Dirtman]

You wont damage the column by drilling the lock, your just pulling out the "core".

 

[mnewman]

Whew. That's good news. Does drilling it allow you to turn it so it slides out? I'll go look up a youtube video.

And the help is appreciated!

 

[Dirtman]

Yes, your removing the tumblers which are what hold the cylinder from turning. Once the core containing the tumblers is out your good to go and can just remove the remaining part and install a new ignition.

 

[mnewman]

Awesome. Thank you for the info. I'll give the guy a couple days to see if he can come up with the key. If not then I at least have a plan.

 

[mnewman]

Aaaannnddd I just realized there is a pinned thread about this very subject...

 

[adsm08]

Or you can remove the door lock cylinder (no key required) take that to a locksmith and have them make a new key. This of course only works if the door and ignition use the same key.

This won't work before the late 90s as the door and ignition locks were different and the two keys can't even be interchanged because the blanks are different. The blade off-sets are reversed so the door key doesn't go into the ignition and vice versa.

 

[Dirtman]

That's why I included the "if". I didnt know when they switched to a single key.

 

[Shran]

1991ish was the first year of one key - my 1992 Explorer has one key for the locks and ignition. It has a second key that only works on the glove box, though. Had several other trucks that are like that too. 1988 would have had a separate ignition key regardless.

Good luck, it's a pain no matter what... Sometimes you can use channel locks to break off the wings on the lock cylinder, then hammer a flat screwdriver in while turning the screwdriver. That can make them turn so that you can stick a punch in the release hole and remove the whole lock cylinder. It does not work every time.