Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Ultimate Subaru Message Board

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

requesting ea81 ignition lock *removal* how to

Featured Replies

saw one destroyed in the yard so i didnt get a chance to study it.

rather know how before i tinker with mine....

 

key is removed, lock is in the run position.

terrified it will lock the steering one day.

must fix.

 

also seeking replacement parts, cylinder/key or entire casting

 

merci !

I just ruined two to learn the right way, I tried to take the lock mech out of the unit but it fell apart in my hands.

 

Here's what I did, the third time.

:banghead: :-\ :eh: :confused::(:mad: :madder:

 

Remove the steering wheel, the insturment panel surround, the steering column cover, remove the combination switch, unhook the cables for the tilt wheel, remove 4 10mm bolts holding the lock unit to the column.

 

Reverse order for installation.

You need to tell us which type of lock you have. There's a tilt lock, and a non-tilt lock. They are completely different.

 

GD

four 10 mm bolts? pfffft, NOTHING is that simple. LOL

 

 

i have the tilt version

 

 

dankie

If you have the key out and you have a good key (not broken in the ignition), you could try working the very last pin (deepest) in the lock. This should be the retaining (keeper) pin and removing this will allow the lock to come out of the cylinder.

 

You should only need to move it around 1/16th to release it.

 

Remove the lock slowly so pieces don't go shooting off in the distance. Even if this happens, it's not the end of the world. Insert your key in the lock once it's out to keep everything together.

 

Once out you can use a screwdriver to turn off the ignition. With the ignition off you should be able to insert your key and carefully reinstall it in the cylinder.

 

While its out you could look to see which pin/disk is scratched and hanging up the lock. This pin/disk can be removed along with the spring and it won't make any difference in your lock!

 

Picks would help, but an allen wrench filed will work just fine.

 

Glenn,

82 Hatch, transforming......:temper:

01 Forester, jealous.......... :madder:

excellent info, i will be pickin and hopefully grinning shortly

 

 

 

thank you!

 

 

still lookin for key/cylinder combo or more....

Use a thin ignition wrench to turn the 10mm bolts as the gap between their heads and the tilting portion of the column is very tight. Patience you can unthread them.

Were talking a 3" long very very thin wrench with an open and closed end (Combo).

i have the wrench, and the patience.....

 

parts anyone?

oh, great.

 

a teaser, eh? yours works, so mine *should* also :P

 

i will entertain no such hope here, what are the chances?

 

lol

 

 

 

all negativity is for research purposes only and should be

deleted within 24 hours

There must be a lock Gremlin :mad: going around the country because mine froze the other day !!!

The lock blew out on my 84 back in the day (key would come right out) and this 85 is broken too. I have a brand new lock as well as a used one... the used one has no key though. The keycode is in the box, but of course 1 of the 3 pieces I need to cut the key we don't have here at the dealership :(.

  • 15 years later...

Very helpful information as there is not much I have found covering this issue of pulling the lock cylinder, a prospect necessary for me to somehow accomplish as some POS broke into my car and while stealing the stereo and multiple other items, apparently finished off the lock cylinder because it is seized now. I need to unlock the steering and remove it from the street. The wheels are locked at about 30º towards the curb. Thank you, beamsbox, for showing me this post.

Edited by lrgvanman

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

Sign In Now

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.