How do you replace a ignition switch on a Chrysler town and country van?

Answer 1

Easier than changing your oil. I have a 2003 Town & Country and am very inept at this kind of stuff, but when the key wouldn't turn (the "tap it with a hammer trick" that I've been using for the past year no longer worked), I just starting taking the panels off to see what I could see. In total it took me 4 hours, but that includes going to 4 auto parts stores to find someone that had a compatible ignition cylinder.

One key point to know, you cannot remove the ignition lock/cylinder without the key in the ignition and turned. I am sure a mechanic knows how to do this, but the repair is simple if the key turns. When that is the problem (cannot turn the key) that makes this the hardest part of the fix. I spent more that an hour tapping and jiggling the key before it turned again. I also sprinkled a little graphite in the lock.

Remove the cover from the steering column (3 screws underneath on my T&C). Remove the plastic from around the cylinder, 2 or 3 pressure clips hold it in place. You should be able to see a small button metal on the bottom of cylinder. If you cannot see it, you may have to remove the lower panel as well (another 4 screws, easy). Press the button on the cylinder. If it doesn't go in, turn the key a little until the button goes in. Once that button goes in, the entire cylinder will slide out.

Find a replacement cylinder. A replacement for a 2003 Town & Country costs about $100 (more if you get it from a dealer) and nobody around me had it in stock. One parts store gave up on the computer and we looked at pictures of cylinders to see anything looked close. We found the NAPA Echlin KS6068 Switch Commutateur Interruptor for Dodge and Jeep. It has black plastic at the end instead of the shiny silver metal where the key is inserted. Other than that, the cylinders appeared to be identical. I popped it in and it worked perfectly and only cost $42. The only drawback is now I have 1 key for the doors and another for the ignition. With the keyless remote, that isn't a big deal. Especially when compared to not being able to start the car.

I did take the old cylinder to the auto parts store so I compare it to the replacement before purchasing it.

If I had to do this again, I could replace an ignition cylinder in under 30 minutes, provided the key turns and I have the replacement part in hand. I cannot believe anyone could charge $300 to $500 for this job.

This was my experience. I hope your experience goes as well.

PS: I did play around with the old cylinder to see if I could determine what was wrong. I couldn't tell if the tumblers were just gunked up (they were gunked up), or if they were also corroded. The last 2 tumblers sprung back when pressed. The other 4 were stuck.

I soaked it WD-40 and that did not loosen the first 4 tumblers. I read on some other blog that if you remove the first 2 tumblers, it would work. I did that (just ripped them out with a pliers) and it did seem to work after that. Since I already purchased the replacement, I did not use the old cylinder I don't know if that is a good long term fix. But if you are in a bind, and want a quick fix, ripping out the first 2 tumblers and cleaning it may work.

If you are really in a bind, rip out all of the tumblers then any key that fits in will turn it. NOT A GOOD LONG TERM SOLUTION, BUT IT GETS YOU BACK ON THE ROAD.

To get to the tumblers, hold one of the pins down on the side of the cylinder so the key turns past the stop. The inside of the cylinder will slide out and you can see the "tumblers".