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lost keys for 85 ramcharger need help removing ignition lock

20K views 16 replies 4 participants last post by  cjohhny 
#1 ·
I lost my keys to my truck and I'm not having any luck getting the ignition lock out. Anybody know how i can remove it. I have tilt steering.
I'm trying to replace it. please help
 
#2 ·
I'm pretty sure you will have to either pick the lock or have a key made off of the door cylinder.
 
#3 ·
remove wheel then lock plate and then the blinker handle and the the blinker switch / then with needle nose remove the key-in buzzer swiitch and under it is a torx head screw that holds the lock
 
#4 ·
Doesn't that just remove the whole assembly?  I assumed since he has no key that he just wants to buy a replacement lock cylinder and swap it.
 
#6 ·
Once you get the lock plate off, removing the lock cylinder should be easy.  Presuming we're talking about an 80s truck or RC, you should see a little hole in the cylinder housing (where the lock cylinder slides into the column).  You poke something small that will fit in there (like a small screwdriver, pick or paperclip) to depress the tab on the side of the lock cylinder, then pull out the cylinder.  New one just slides right in.  I've done this same procedure on an 82, 83, 85 and 87.  I've got my old column from my 83 in my garage and will snap a couple pictures tomorrow.
 
#7 ·
It was my understanding that you had to have the key to turn the ignition cylinder to something other than the "lock" position to depress the little button to release it.  After reading the service manual that is not the case, though I know one of my Mopars I had to have a key to remove the cylinder since the lock button could not be pressed if the switch was in the lock position and no key inserted.  I thought it was my '84 Ramcharger but I guess I was wrong.
 
#9 ·
Elwenil said:
It was my understanding that you had to have the key to turn the ignition cylinder to something other than the "lock" position to depress the little button to release it. After reading the service manual that is not the case, though I know one of my Mopars I had to have a key to remove the cylinder since the lock button could not be pressed if the switch was in the lock position and no key inserted. I thought it was my '84 Ramcharger but I guess I was wrong.
Thankfully I didn't need the key when I replaced my steering column in my 83. The one I got from the junkyard didn't have a key with it and I was able to pull the cylinder from my old column and swap it out with the replacement column.
 
#12 ·
That is straight out of a FSM (Factory Service Manual). Your BEST source for info on how to repair your rig. Check out his store.

http://ramchargercentral.com/index.php?board=150.0

I've found my FSM to be much more handy than a Chilton or Haynes manual.
 
#14 ·
yup straight out of a FSM / l actually have enuf of them that the not so good ones l tear apart / punch the holes in them and put them in binders / so when someone like you needs info l pop the binder open / l scan -size and post it [ l also save it]

NOTE / l have plenty of 1985 FSM,s instock
 
#16 ·
Thanks guys, I got the old one out. It took me a few minutes to figure out exactly what I needed to puch with the screwdriver but after looking at it for a bit I figured it out and it came out easily. And thanks to autozone for their loner tool program, I got both the steering wheel puller and lock plate remover from them. I'm glad I did this myself, who knows what a locksmith or a shop would have cost. I only spent 14 bucks.
 
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