OEM 2000 Lincoln Continental Ignition Lock Cylinder

2000 Lincoln Continental Ignition Lock Cylinder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to Remove and Replace a Non-Functional Ignition Lock Cylinder Safely on 2000 Lincoln Continental?

  A: All servicing work on a non-functional steering column lock cylinder must be performed with safety glasses on whenever the vehicle is equipped with an air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to prevent accidental deployment injuries. The correct handling of live air bag modules requires positioning the air bag with trim cover facing away from your body and you must never lay these modules upside down. Handwashing thoroughly will erase all remaining sodium hydroxide from your hands after a deployment. The withdrawal of probes from air bag module connectors will stop the module from deploying. Any air bag module that shows discoloration or has damaged trim covers requires replacement over trying to repaint it. After collisions check your vehicle's sensor orientation as well as the condition of sensor mounting brackets and wiring pigtail cables for deformities then replace any SRS components even if the air bag does not activate. Repairs must begin only after waiting at least one minute to drain the back up power through battery ground cable removal and taking off any accessory batteries if present. Begin the process by removing the steering wheel then rotating away the ignition switch lock cylinder cap before using a 1/8 inch diameter drill to extract the retaining pin and completing the cylinder removal by drilling with a 3/8 inch diameter drill in the middle of the key slot until it separates properly. Discard the drilling waste and rejected lock cylinder before you proceed to pull out the bearing retainer, bearing, and gear while ensuring complete cleaning of the drill debris from the steering column to inspect for any damage. The installation will require a new ignition switch lock cylinder which should be fitted by reversing the removal process while checking for proper functioning of the ignition switch lock cylinder at its completion point.