PH98I30

Is there a thread on here for replacing your ignition key lock cylinder? I am not talking about the ignition switch. I mean where you put your key into to start the car. Does anyone know how hard it is to do? Mine is okay, but I have a friend at work that's having problems with his.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

Difficult is relative to your experience. On a scale of 10, it is probably a 4. The main challenge is that you cannot just unbolt the ignition switch. For theft reasons, special bolts are used that require you to drill them out.

See page 13 in the link below.

http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1998/ST.pdf

PH98I30

Thanks Dennis. It looks like the steering wheel needs removal or all the airbag crap.

DBear

I did that a while ago, and did not have to take off the steering wheel or air bag. The trick to getting out the security bolts is to use a dremel, and cut slots in the tops of the bolts. Then you can use a large flat head screwdriver to unscrew them. It took me about 45 minutes. You have to be careful around the trim with what is basically a tiny engine of destruction, though, and I suspect you can cut too far if you're not careful...

I think there are a few threads on replacing it.

PH98I30

Thanks DBear. The FSM just shows drawings, which aren't as clear as photos. You can't tell how much stuff has to be removed to get to the bolts. Dremels do wreak havoc when I use them. Would drilling the studs and then using an EZout work, or is the torque too much to do that?

DBear

I've always read that you have to drill them out, but I've never done it. That would make me nervous, but I guess it works. Someone here suggested the dremel and I liked that idea better. I went out and bought a relatively small one, and it really wasn't that bad. The metal is relatively soft, so I only had to hold it steady for a short while.