How to Remove a Ford Ignition Lock Cylinder Without a Key

Sommerset

The ignition lock cylinder is a fundamental part of your vehicle. Occasionally it fails to give you no other choice rather than to remove and replace it. However, ensure you do this to your car or have permission to access otherwise, you will be liable to vandalism/ theft litigation. This article gives tips on how to change the ignition lock cylinder without a key.

Disclaimer: Removing the ignition lock cylinder to a car you don’t own or have express authorization from the verified owner to do so amounts to vandalism and or theft. You can be convicted and charged for it. This is for information only and we are not liable for any repercussions.

Tools Required

  • Drill bit
  • Power Drill
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Mechanic gloves
  • Socket wrench set

The Procedure

  1. Disconnect the battery; This will ensure you don’t get electrocuted or short anything in the car. Remove the negative cable terminal to disconnect it.
  2. Get the steering wheel out from its place for you to access the ignition lock cylinder. Loosen the screws to get rid of the lower and upper cover from the steering column wheel. Lift the wheel, pull at the center cover, and disconnect the horn wires. Keep the washers and nuts as you remove the steering wheel.
  3. Remove the indicator and wipers switches.
  4. Remove the sleeves from the steering wheel.
  5. Disconnect all the electrical connections leading to the ignition switch- unscrew all nuts and pull the ignition switch out.
  6. Remove the mounting bolts- use a socket wrench or screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws or bolts on the ignition switch.  Unbolt the switch assembly and the housing containing the lock cylinder.
  7. Inspect the mounting bolt on the ignition switch housing – use a power drill with extractors to eliminate the bolts that mount the ignition switch to the steering column.
  8. Lock the cylinder- insert a paperclip into the slot and turn to the left to lock the cylinder and avert the ignition from starting.
  9. Insert the screwdriver into the cylinder and break the ignition lock with a screwdriver. Turn the cylinder to the right as far you can, pull the paperclip on the far right, then slide the switch out of its place.

How to Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder with Key

To remove the ignition lock cylinder core from the ignition lock cylinder housing, do the following;

  • Slide the key into the ignition lock cylinder.
  • Rotate the lock cylinder core to START, ACC, or RUN position as per the repair information.
  • Press the lock cylinder core retainer located at the end of the ignition lock
  • Pull the ignition lock cylinder core out of the lock cylinder housing using the key.

How to Drill Out Ignition Lock Cylinder

Before drilling, examine the kind of lock that you have. Tumbler kind of locks is the easiest to drill through. It may be challenging to drill a lock with a hardened steel pin or ball bearing in the middle pin.

Things to Double-Check Before Drilling

Consider the following before you start drilling;  it should be the last option after trying these tips.

  • Try Picking the Lock

Start picking the lock if you are unsure of the type you have. If you can’t detect the inner workings of the lock, use a pick gun.

  • Bump the Lock

Bumping is effective with only certain types of locks. It’s a traditional way the locksmiths used to disassemble locks. Try several times by inserting a bump key two-thirds in the lock. Use a hammer to tap in the correct spot on the key for the lock chamber to pop-out. If it fails after several attempts, it will probably not work.

  • Have Your Replacement Lock

Ensure as you drill the lock, you have a replacement to install right away. The drilled lock won’t work anymore.

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  • Get the Owners Consent to Drill

If the car is not yours, inform the owner before you try drilling as the lock will be unfunctional.  Let them understand you have tried other means necessary.  Drilling requires you to have a well-maintained drill and various drill bit sizes.

Tools Required

  • Power drill
  • hammer
  • Flat-headed screwdriver
  • Plastic sheet

Procedure

  1. Tap with a Hammer

Place the punch on top of the lock where there is a dividing line. Using a hammer, make two or three firm taps on the punch’s end until there is a visible indentation.

  1. Start Drilling

Bore a hole through the lock cylinder using a 1/8-inch drill bit; it breaks the pins inside the lock for you to open it.

  1. Apply Steady Pressure

Put more pressure on the drill, ensuring its level at all times. Make sure the drill is on a slow setting for accurate results.

  1. Increase Drill Bit Size

When you drill the hole, switch to ¼ inch bit to further break the pins and open the lock.

  1. Insert the Screwdriver

Turn the mechanism as you would with the key; the lock should turn.

  1. Destroy Lock Mechanism

Using a ¾ -inch drill bit, drill through the entire lock unit, the lock should open.

Check this too: Ford PATs System Troubleshooting & How-To Guide

Conclusion

If you lose your key, it can be challenging to start your car, but you can do Ford ignition bypass. However, ensure you do this on your car because it’s a crime to carry it out on someone else’s car without consent.