Ignition Lock Cylinder

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ignition lock cylinder on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including steering column disassembly and lock plate removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition lock cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column lock plate snap ring × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged
• Turn signal canceling cam spring × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery post
3. Allow steering column to cool if vehicle was recently driven
4. Position driver's seat rearward for maximum working room
5. Gather all necessary tools and new parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the horn button or cap from the center of the steering wheel. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Mark the relationship between the steering wheel and steering shaft with a paint pen or scribe for proper reinstallation alignment. Using a steering wheel puller, remove the steering wheel from the shaft. Do not hammer on the steering shaft as this can damage the column bearings.
2. 2

   Remove turn signal lever and hazard knob
   Unscrew and remove the turn signal lever by rotating it counterclockwise. If equipped, remove the hazard warning flasher knob by pulling it straight out. Remove any column-mounted wiring harness clips or retainers.
3. 3

   Compress lock plate and remove snap ring
   Position the lock plate compression tool over the steering shaft with the center post pressing down on the lock plate. Compress the lock plate downward to expose the snap ring groove. Using snap ring pliers, carefully remove the snap ring from the steering shaft groove. Slowly release the compression tool to relieve spring pressure. Remove the lock plate compression tool, lock plate, and canceling cam.
   ⚠The lock plate spring is under significant tension; ensure compression tool is properly seated before removing snap ring
4. 4

   Remove upper bearing preload spring
   Lift the upper bearing preload spring off the steering shaft. Remove the thrust washer if present. Note the orientation and position of all components for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove turn signal switch mounting screws
   Locate the three Phillips head screws securing the turn signal switch assembly to the steering column housing. Remove all three screws completely. Do not remove the turn signal switch from the column yet, as it may interfere with lock cylinder removal.
6. 6

   Remove ignition switch bezel and column housing
   Remove the screws securing the ignition key bezel or escutcheon if equipped. Remove the upper column housing by separating it from the lower housing. This may require removing additional screws depending on specific column configuration. Carefully pull the turn signal switch wiring harness up and position the switch assembly out of the way without disconnecting the wiring.
7. 7

   Release lock cylinder retainer
   Insert the ignition key into the lock cylinder and rotate it to the ACC (accessory) position. This aligns the retaining tab with the release hole. Locate the small lock cylinder retaining pin hole on the lock cylinder housing face. Using a small punch or thin drift, depress the lock cylinder retaining pin while gently pulling outward on the key and lock cylinder.
8. 8

   Remove ignition lock cylinder
   With the retaining pin depressed and the key in the ACC position, pull the lock cylinder straight out of the steering column housing. Remove the key from the cylinder once extracted. Inspect the lock cylinder bore for debris or damage.
9. 9

   Install new ignition lock cylinder
   Insert the key into the new lock cylinder and rotate to the ACC position. Ensure the retaining tab is properly positioned. Align the lock cylinder with the column housing bore and insert it straight in until the retaining pin clicks into place. Verify the cylinder is fully seated by attempting to gently pull it out with the key in the LOCK position - it should not move.
10. 10

    Reinstall column housing and turn signal switch
    Position the turn signal switch assembly back into the column housing. Reinstall the upper column housing to the lower housing. Route the turn signal wiring harness through the column properly. Install the three turn signal switch mounting screws and tighten securely. Reinstall the ignition key bezel or escutcheon.
11. 11

    Reinstall upper bearing components
    Place the thrust washer onto the steering shaft if originally equipped. Install the upper bearing preload spring over the shaft. Position the canceling cam on the shaft with the proper orientation.
12. 12

    Install lock plate and snap ring
    Place the lock plate over the steering shaft. Position the lock plate compression tool and compress the lock plate downward to expose the snap ring groove. Install the snap ring into the groove using snap ring pliers, ensuring it is fully seated in the groove. Carefully release the compression tool and verify the snap ring is properly retained.
    ⚠Ensure snap ring is fully seated in groove before releasing compression tool to prevent it from dislodging
13. 13

    Reinstall turn signal lever and steering wheel
    Thread the turn signal lever into the switch housing and tighten by rotating clockwise. If equipped, reinstall the hazard flasher knob. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and slide it onto the steering shaft. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten securely. Reinstall the horn button or cap.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Test the ignition lock cylinder through all positions: LOCK, ACC, ON, and START. Verify the key can be removed only in the LOCK position. Test turn signal operation, hazard flasher, and horn function to ensure proper reassembly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all steering column components are properly aligned and seated before tightening fasteners
2. Verify the snap ring is fully seated in its groove to prevent lock plate failure
3. Test all steering column functions including turn signals, horn, and ignition before returning vehicle to service
4. Ensure steering wheel is properly aligned with front wheels in straight-ahead position

Verification

• Turn ignition key through all positions smoothly without binding: LOCK, ACC, ON, START
• Verify key can only be removed in the LOCK position
• Confirm steering wheel does not have excessive play or wobble
• Test turn signal self-canceling function by making a turn
• Verify horn operates correctly
• Check that all column-mounted controls function properly

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