You don’t need to remove the positive cable from its terminal. Tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to make sure it doesn’t accidentally come into contact with the terminals.
Refer to a vehicle specific repair manual for guidance on how best to gain access to the ignition switch. Set all trim pieces aside somewhere safe where they won’t get stepped on or damaged.
It’s important to get vehicle-specific guidance on steering wheel removal to avoid damaging the airbag or even accidentally setting it off. You can purchase vehicle specific repair manuals at your local auto parts store. On some vehicles, you’ll need a special tool called a steering wheel puller to remove it.
With the releases pressed, slide the cover out over the ignition module. Set it aside someplace safe until you need to reassemble the dash.
The key may be stuck in the ignition switch, but that shouldn’t stop you from turning it. If you don’t have a key, you will need to force the module to turn using a flathead screwdriver.
If you don’t have a small enough screwdriver, you can use anything long and thin enough to press the pin, including a paintbrush handle or even a kabob skewer. Don’t use anything brittle that may break inside the hole to try to press the pin.
If the switch feels stuck, make sure you are pressing the release pin firmly enough with your screwdriver or similar tool inside the hole.
A rebuilt switch should work just as well as a new one. The only real benefit of a rebuilt switch is not having to use new keys.
You can sometimes get aftermarket ignition switches from your local auto parts store as well.
Hold the release pin in until you have the switch inserted. Some switches have an angled release pin that you don’t have to press down as you slide the switch in.
If you don’t hear a click from the release pin, the ignition switch isn’t properly seated yet. You may need to push in on the switch a little to make it click into place.
The vehicle should start without any issue. If it doesn’t, remove the ignition switch and reinstall it.
Be sure to use either the screws or clips to secure each piece as you go. Don’t force trim pieces together or they may break. If someone won’t go on properly, take it out and look things over to see what’s stopping it from seating properly.
Make sure the cable is secure and can’t jiggle loose.
