This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ignition lock cylinder assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, including steering column cover removal and lock cylinder release.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition lock cylinder assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column cover clips (if broken) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Adjust steering column to lowest tilt position for easier access
5. Ensure you have the original ignition key if replacing a working cylinder

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate and remove the screws securing the lower steering column cover. There are typically 2-3 screws on the underside of the cover. Carefully pull the lower cover down and away from the column, releasing any retaining clips. Set cover aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   Remove the screws securing the upper steering column cover (typically 2 screws at the bottom edge). Gently separate the upper cover from the lower section by releasing the retaining clips along the sides. Lift the upper cover off the steering column and set aside. Be careful not to damage the clips.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector
   Locate the ignition switch electrical connector on the right side of the steering column. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. If equipped with a security system connector, disconnect it as well. Move wiring harness out of work area.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; always pull on connector body to avoid damaging terminals
4. 4

   Locate lock cylinder release access hole
   With the column covers removed, locate the small access hole on the side of the lock cylinder housing. This hole provides access to the cylinder release pin. On this model, the access hole is typically on the right side near the bottom of the lock cylinder housing.
   ℹ️The access hole is small and may be difficult to see without proper lighting
5. 5

   Insert key and rotate to RUN position
   Insert the original ignition key into the lock cylinder. Rotate the key clockwise to the RUN position (second position, just before START). The cylinder must be in this position to release from the housing. Do not turn to ACC position.
   ⚠Key must be in exact RUN position for release mechanism to function properly
6. 6

   Depress lock cylinder release pin
   While holding the key in the RUN position, insert a small punch, paperclip, or appropriate tool into the release access hole. Push firmly to depress the internal release pin. You should feel the pin compress approximately 3-5mm. Maintain pressure on the release pin.
   ⚠Use steady pressure only; excessive force can damage the release mechanism
7. 7

   Remove lock cylinder from housing
   While continuing to depress the release pin with one hand, use your other hand to gently pull the lock cylinder assembly straight out of the steering column housing. The cylinder should slide out smoothly. If resistance is felt, verify the key is still in RUN position and release pin is fully depressed. Remove key from old cylinder once extracted.
   ⚠Do not twist or rock the cylinder while removing as this can damage the housing bore
8. 8

   Inspect lock cylinder housing
   Inspect the lock cylinder bore in the steering column housing for any debris, damage, or worn components. Clean the housing bore with electrical contact cleaner if necessary. Inspect the electrical contacts inside the housing and clean if corroded. Check that the release pin mechanism moves freely.
   ℹ️Any damage to the housing bore may require steering column replacement
9. 9

   Prepare new lock cylinder
   Remove the new ignition lock cylinder from packaging. Insert the new key into the cylinder and rotate to the RUN position. Verify the cylinder release pin is in the retracted position. The cylinder will only install when in the RUN position with the key inserted.
   ℹ️New cylinder may come with protective cap that must be removed before installation
10. 10

    Install new lock cylinder
    With the new key in the RUN position, carefully align the lock cylinder with the steering column housing. Ensure the cylinder keyway aligns with the housing slot. Gently push the cylinder straight into the housing until it fully seats. You should hear or feel a click as the retaining mechanism engages. Do not force the cylinder.
    ⚠Misalignment during installation can damage the cylinder or housing; ensure proper orientation before applying pressure
11. 11

    Verify lock cylinder operation
    With the cylinder fully installed, rotate the key through all positions: OFF, ACC, RUN, and START. Verify smooth operation in all positions and that the key returns to RUN position after releasing from START. Verify the key can be removed only in the OFF position. Test the steering wheel lock by removing the key and attempting to rotate the steering wheel.
    ⚠Do not reconnect battery until lock cylinder operation is verified to prevent electrical system issues
12. 12

    Reconnect ignition switch electrical connector
    Reconnect the ignition switch electrical connector to the lock cylinder assembly. Push firmly until the connector locks with an audible click. If equipped, reconnect the security system connector. Ensure no wires are pinched or routed improperly.
    ℹ️Verify connector lock tabs are fully engaged to prevent intermittent electrical issues
13. 13

    Reinstall upper steering column cover
    Position the upper steering column cover over the column assembly. Align the cover halves and press together to engage the side retaining clips. Install and tighten the cover screws to specification using a torque wrench. Verify all clips are properly engaged.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall lower steering column cover
    Position the lower steering column cover under the column assembly. Press upward to engage the retaining clips with the upper cover. Install and tighten all cover screws to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the cover is secure and does not rattle.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable and tighten securely
2. Verify all steering column covers are properly secured with no gaps
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the steering column area
4. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked

Verification

• Turn ignition key through all positions (OFF, ACC, RUN, START) and verify smooth operation with proper detents
• Verify engine starts normally and all ignition positions function correctly
• Confirm key can only be removed in OFF position
• Test steering wheel lock function by removing key and attempting to turn steering wheel
• Verify all dashboard warning lights function normally during key-on self-test
• Check that instrument cluster receives proper signals in all ignition positions
• Verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated after system self-test
• Confirm all electrical accessories function properly in ACC and RUN positions

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