Rep Power: 0

Hi everyone,

Over the weekend someone broke into my '98 Civic and tried to steal the car by jamming a Leatherman tool into the ignition. My key goes into the ignition but won't turn.

I've followed the instructions at and on a few other websites to try to remove the ignition cylinder, but it appears that moving the key to the first position is necessary in order to slide the cylinder out.

Since I'm not able to do that, any clever tricks to remove it so that I can take the cylinder to a locksmith to fix? I'm trying to be as economical as possible.

[L]

 
Rep Power: 518

Remove the complete column lock assembly from the steering column and take it to the locksmith, let them remove the cylinder from it?

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the suggestion. I've googled "98 civic column lock assembly removal" but am coming up empty. Do you happen to have any links showing how to remove it?

[L]

 
Rep Power: 518

What you would need to do is figure out how to remove the breakaway (shear) bolts (#3) that Honda uses to secure the column lock and clamp (#5) together on the column.

There are several methods: Drill them out, use a center punch and hammer to turn them out, saw or dremel a slot so you can use a screwdriver..... Whatever you have to work with and how much room you have to work in determines the method.



Found this for a 94 (wrong year car, but similar)





New breakaway/shear bolts are fairly cheap.

HTH