Toyota RAV4 > Chassis electrical system > Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator (without Smart Key System)

Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator (without Smart Key System)

Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system components to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag(s), which could cause personal injury (see Airbag system — general information).

Note: These models are equipped with an integration relay. The integration relay works in conjunction with the ignition switch to activate the key unlock warning system and anti-theft system.

General steering column repair procedures

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).

2. Place the ignition key in the ACC position.

3. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).

4. If needed, depending on the type of repair, remove the steering column (see Suspension and steering systems).

5. Remove the steering column switches (see Steering column switches — replacement).

6. Remove steering lock actuator assembly (see Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator -replacement (without Smart Key System)).

Transponder coil

7. Remove the transponder coil from the ignition switch assembly (see illustrations).

i. 7a Lift the clip up slightly in order to slide the transponder coil off of the ignition switch assembly

Toyota RAV4 Chassis electrical system | Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator Lift the clip up slightly in order to slide the transponder coil off of the ignition switch assembly

i. 7b Disconnect the electrical connection, then set aside in a safe place to avoid any damage while it is off of the vehicle

Toyota RAV4 Chassis electrical system | Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator Disconnect the electrical connection, then set aside in a safe place to avoid any damage while it is off of the vehicle

Ignition switch

8. Unplug the ignition switch wiring harness connector (see illustration) and key light connector (if equipped).

i.8 Ignition switch electrical connections

Toyota RAV4 Chassis electrical system | Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator Ignition switch electrical connections

9. Remove the lock actuator assembly.

10. Remove the switch retaining screws (see illustration), then pull the switch from the lock cylinder housing.

i. 10 Ignition switch screws

Toyota RAV4 Chassis electrical system | Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator Ignition switch screws

11. Installation is reverse of the removal.

Key lock cylinder

Note: This applies to models without pushbutton starting systems.

12. Remove the transponder coil.

13. Turn the ignition switch to ON (ACC).

14. Use a small flat screwdriver with a fine tip, inserted into the slot on the top of the steering column bracket to depress the locking claw. Pull the ignition switch lock cylinder out until its claw comes into contact with the stopper of the steering column bracket.

15. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the hole in the side of the steering column bracket and tilt it downward to disengage the claw. Pull out the ignition switch lock cylinder.

16. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Steering lock actuator

Note: This applies to vehicles with or without the Smart Key System.

17. Remove the steering column by following the general steering column repair procedures in Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator -replacement (without Smart Key System). Then place the steering column shaft in a soft-jaw vise. Tighten firmly without crushing or damaging the steering column.

18. Use a center punch and mark the center of the tapered-head bolts (see illustration).

i. 18 Mark the centers of the shear-head bolts in order to keep the drill bit centered

Toyota RAV4 Chassis electrical system | Ignition switch/key lock cylinder and steering lock actuator Mark the centers of the shear-head bolts in order to keep the drill bit centered

19. Use a 3- or 4-mm drill bit (0.12 to 0.16 in) and drill a hole in the center of the bolt.

20. Using a screw extractor that will fit into the hole you just created, turn the bolt counterclockwise and remove the bolt.

21. Install the steering lock actuator and steering column clamp with new shear bolts, then tighten the bolts until their heads break off.

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