Ingnition thingie......

[MyFirst4G]

Hey guys, i am replacing my ignition key thing and i got the whole thing, but how do i take off the cover thingie!!! I have to put the new one in and i dont know how to do it! Please soeone who knows what they are doing help me!!!! And please dont tell me that i have to take off the steering wheel!!! Because thats a whole nother story!! Thanks guys!

[89ssgti]

to replace the ignition switch,I'm pretty sure you have to take off the steering wheel

[Shadowkahn]

Park the car with the wheels perfectly straight. If you don't do this, your steering wheel won't be aligned right when you reinstall it.

Remove the steering wheel by popping off the H emblem with a screwdriver and undoing the nut inside with a long socket.

Remove the upper and lower steering column covers (couple'a screws and a retaining ring)

Unplug the ignition control module (the electrical part at the rear of the key cylinder)

Unscrew the two screws holding the ignition control module onto the key cylinder.

Now remove the rest of the key cylinder (I'm sure you can find the screws.)

when installing the new one, put the key cylinder in first, then put the KEY in the key cylinder. Switch it to OFF. Now put the ignition control module on and clamp it down. If you don't stick the key in there first, the ICM will not line up with the cylinder and you won't be able to turn the key.

plug the ICM back in.

Replace the uper/lower covers including retaining ring.

While you're under there get some denatured alcohol and a qtip and gently swab those two thin metal pieces that stick slightly out - -they're flat with a buldge on the end. Those are the horn contacts and over time they get sticky with grease and dirt and will eventually start holding the horn switch down, causing your horn to go off forever when you honk. These should be cleaned any time the wheel's off.

Now reinstall the wheel -- this takes patience sometimes to get it aligned right.