how to remove ignition lock cylinder without a tumbler...

[hahaitzskippy]

as you can see... the lock cylinder is missing the tumbler (the thing you actually stick a key in).

the whole center is missing... now how do i remove the remaining?

any ideas guys? i tried all the tricks that i searched up on but they all require a key and the tumbler attached...

i cant seem to find what is holding that lock cylinder shell in place....

help guys?

[oliver.r]

what the hell happend here?

[hahaitzskippy]

2 words... previous owner...

i had this car for about... 1 month and ive been turning it off and on with a screwdriver...

yes screwdriver... :D

now i received this and i want to install it..

[Poorboyz]

Is your car the 1985 that is listed in your Sig? It looks like that ignition is for a late model and I'm not sure they fit the early model but maybe someone else that knows can chime in.

I'm also not quite understanding exactly what you want to remove. You should be able to put the new ignition in providing the late model ignition fits the early model.

I'm confusing the hell out of myself...I'll stop now.

[hahaitzskippy]

i figured... ill get a new photo in tomorrow when there is some light...

but in words?
if you look at the new lock cylinder... that metal part that is behind the black ring that is covering up most of the white/green plastic in the middle....

that cylinder itself is stuck in the steering column thing (name?)...

the part where the key goes in is missing completely from the steering column thing (name?) and only the cylinder remains...

i need to move that cylinder part...

dont worry, i will get photos for you all

[Poorboyz]

I think I understand it a little better. On early E30 there is a pin i believe underneath the steering column. You have to put your old key/screw driver in the ignition and turn it 15° or so while pushing the pin on the bottom of steering column and the old tumbler should slide out. Your new tumbler is from a late model E30. The reason I say that is because it has a pin hole between the black outer casing and the part where the key goes into.

[hahaitzskippy]

ok photos as requested...

i hope this helps you as so it can help me...

[E30_Pare]

Those pictures r lol. I'm not sure what's going on here. On the car look at the cylinder that the tumbler sits in. There is going to be a small pin side hole somewhere around the outside. Use something like a pick & stick it in the hole as u turn the cylinder. Should just pop out.

[Silvertip]

So you basically need to somehow turn it to "Position 1" and put a pin into the channel that is visible on picture 1...

[nmlss2006]

There are two generations of column cylinder locks. They have different release methods. First of all, you need to verify which is on your car. Then you can go from there, by rotating the existing cylinder with a pair of pliers, disengaging the lock and going forward.

[Poorboyz]

If the OP is trying to take the old tumbler from the 1985 he's got in his sig the pin hole will be on the bottom of the steering column and he will have to remove the cover to get access to the pin hole. Since he also mentioned he uses a screw driver to turn the car on and off he will have to use that same screw driver to turn the old tumbler 15 degrees then push a needle (or something similar in size) into the pin hole underneath the steering column to release the old tumbler.

[hahaitzskippy]

pin hole at the bottom is the winner!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks guys. did not know there was a pin hole down there. got it out.

now new question... how do i get the key out of my new tumbler? it is stick...

[hahaitzskippy]

ok update:

i just installed and uninstalled the new tumbler... it doesnt turn enough (physically) to start the engine... i hear the click. but it kinda stops there.

weird... any suggestions?

BTW it was a B**** to get the new tumbler in and out...

[nmlss2006]

Well, the new tumbler needs to be of the same generation as yours - is it?