09 kia optima ignition lock cylinder/switch problem

5

Asked by Freddy Dec 07, 2013 at 02:05 PM about the 2009 Kia Optima LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I got a 09 kia optima lx 2.4 the other day I bent the key bent it
back in place it worked on one side of the key for 2 days then
stopped recognizing the key the steering wheel and ignition
lock cylinder locked up neither will turn anymore when I put
the key in the ignition it beeps once as usual signaling it
knows the key is there but wont turn ive been told by a kia
dealership that the tumblers may be damaged but I cant get
the ignition lock cylinder to come out ive disassembled
everything I see in contact with the cylinder it still wont come
out I had a lock smith come to my house to fix it but said by
the sounds of it, it might be the ignition switch an electronic
component at the end of the ignition lock cylinder that might
not be letting the key turn because it might have went out if I
can take that off and the key turns then it is the switch but
the same problem I cant take off the switch ive disassembled
everything connecting to it, it is loose but it wont come off.
Ive worked on American made cars before its simple and
easy but this is the first time ive tried to fix a kia and its very
difficult can you tell me your opinion on what could be wrong
or even how to take off the faulty part ive googled these
qustions and asked 2 mechanics and 5 locksmiths no one
can give me a definite awnser not even the kia dealership
unless I can bring the car to them which the nearest one is
40 mins from my home

8 Answers

10

remove the screw plastic electrical connector on the left side of the switch. under it will be a hole with a pin turn the key to acc use a small screw driver to push the pin in and the whole key cylinder will pull straight out

1 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2007 Optima, thought I had my answer above but not completely. I found the hole, I see the pin but I can't turn the key to Acc. What do I do now?

7 people found this helpful.
170

######Answer, saw a demonstration on youtube that suggested that you place the key in the ignition if it is not turning, and give the key several good raps with a hammer and it will knock loose whatever is causing it to stick. I tried it and after four or five raps with the hammer it worked.#####

4 people found this helpful.
10

08 kia optima....i couldn't get the electrical back of my ignition off after i pulled out the ignition switch....when i pulled it out i twisted the part were the switch sat until it matched the electrical backing...at which point it came right out.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I got a ignition switch at junkyard with no key so i drilled the pin u push to release the ignition switch. I also hammered a screwdriver into the key hole. It worked.

For people who are having trouble getting their key into the accessory position in order to get the lock cylinder out put your key into the cylinder and why you're trying to turn it tap the end of the key with a hammer gently that should vibrate the cylinder enough for the key to pop into the accessory position then you need to remove your cylinder and replace it I was able to break mine free doing this a little bit lubrication and I bought me enough time until I can afford to buy the new cylinder

Stupadasso is correct. You have to remove the top screw holding the connector in place then press the pin in. You will probaby need a small 90° screwdriver or you can use a 1/4 inch wrench and bit. Use a ratcheting one if possible or it will take forever. If you can't turn the ignition, press the pin with a small screwdriver and wiggle and turn the key until it moves to ACC. Not too hard but enough to make it turn. This actually completely fixed my problem without having to get a ignition cylinder.

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