How to Clean the Ignition Lock for a Dodge Ram Van

If the ignition lock of your Dodge Ram van is sticky or dirty, it may be difficult to insert your key and start the vehicle. In this case, the simplest solution is to take out the ignition lock of your Dodge Ram Van and clean it. The ignition lock is on the driver's side of the vehicle, behind the steering wheel, and should not take more than half an hour to remove.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and disconnect the battery using a socket wrench.

2

Insert a screwdriver in the holes on the rear of the steering wheel. Remove the air bag. Disconnect the air bag's electrical connector before removing it.

3

Remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller.

4

Pry off the steering column cover with a screwdriver. Remove the screw from the turn signal switch with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the turn signal switch.

5

Remove the retaining screw from the ignition switch. Remove the bearing housing and coil spring using a socket wrench.

6

Remove the two screws from the lock plate. Insert a thin screwdriver in the access hole to release the lock cylinder. Remove the three retaining screws and pull the cylindrical lock out of the ignition.

7

Wipe any dirt or debris from the lock with a clean rag. Scrape off any foreign objects with a screwdriver. Spray some WD-40 on the lock if necessary.

8

Place the lock back in the plate and reattach the screws. Reattach the two retaining screws to the lock plate and reattach the bearing housing and coil spring.

9

Reattach the turn signal switch and steering column covers. Place the steering wheel back on the column and reattach the air bag. Reconnect the battery and close the hood.