How hard is it to replace ign. on the column

[T-440]

Hi all. Very informative forum here, wish I would have found it earlier. Anyway, I have 1988 Plymouth Voyager mini van. On a recent fire call, I lost the ignition key. I have called the local crysler dealer, and they told me the vehicle is to old to trace the keys by the vin number. Local locksmith is telling me it is going to cost of $150 to replace the switch and key. My question is, how hard is it to take the ignition swith out of the steering column and put a new one in? Does anyone know a round about price for a different switch? I found an ebay store that sells the switch, would one of those be ok? Thanks in advance for any answers!

[fishermanacs]

150 aint a bad price at all. happened me tried to change it myself what a hassle wound up paying 200 plus tax to have the locksmith do it anyway.

[wafrederick]

Those are easy and that is a good price.I remember the screws are torx headed and one is a theftproof one.Get a set of theftproof torxbits

[jawss]

It shouldn't be very hard at all to replace that key cylinder. If you buy the manual (Haynes or Chiltons) it will tell you how to remove it. Also you can check the local junk yard for a key cylinder. If they will let you, take it out yourself. This will give you practice for doing your own. The advantage is, if you break something, its not on your van! Be sure there is a key in the cylinder before you yake it out. heheh Past experience talkin there. Good luck!