Car ignition steering switch (ignition barrel lock) replacement |
​Shown on Dacia Duster

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 2/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS, YOU SPEND $ 10 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 1 HOUR TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • NO SAFETY ISSUES 
BEFORE YOU START
  • Starter switches are subject to a special order that links to your VIN number in order to get the right ignition cylinder that matches your keys. This takes some time and could lead to a vehicle immobilization period.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

Symptoms of a defective car ignition barrel switch

  1. Starter won't start at first attempt, only starts the second or third time you rotate the key
  2. This happens from time to time, while car starts normally in between
  3. The frequency of failure of the barrel lock increases within weeks
  4. Starting the engine from second or third attempt becomes less successful
  5. Hitting on the steering wheel with a clenched fist could temporary solve the problem!

Preparatory works for car start (starter) switch replacement

The steering column behind the steering wheel is covered by two plastic trims that are fixed to each other by the means of a couple of screws. The screws are accessible from the bottom as shown in the left picture.
Take out the screws and the upper half shell first.
Gently pull down the lower plastic shell trim of the steering column then pull it out of its bottom fixing.
Remove the engine immobilizer ring (left) and keep it aside without unplugging its wires.
This is the ring that communicates with the key transponder  of your car inside your key fob and reads the security code that allows the engine to start. The ignition barrel (start, starter) switch is now well visible and accessible for removal.

Car ignition (start, starter) switch removing and refitting

Unscrew the only screw that holds the starter switch and pull out the wire harness in order to access the ignition wires connector.
Disconnect the wire harness of the ignition barrel.
Use your key to find the position that releases the mechanical lock of your ignition cylinder so you can pull it out.
Do this simultaneously while turning the ignition key with one hand and pushing the mechanical pin that holds the cylinder with a flat screwdriver.
Take out the barrel lock out of its seat and gently let the connector pass through it as shown in the picture to the right.
This is the replaceable part made out of the ignition switch barrel and its wire harness up to the electrical connector.
​Reverse above steps to refit a new one.

See also our other tutorials in relation with car keys...

...and buy your ignition barrel lock for Isuzu, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Renault, Ford, Mercedes, etc. from our partners' stores: