Sorry guys - I know there's some comments on this in here someplace, but I'll be damned if I can't find it.

Someone said I could remove the ignition lock barrel and swap it into a new steering column. There's supposed to be a gold pin I'm supposed to push-in, which will let me extract the barrels for the swap, but can't find a pin to push anywhere on the lock assembly.

Also, I was told that the black ring thingy that goes around the front of the lock (where the key goes in) is essential to reading the key's RFID, but I'm not sure if I need to swap it as well (or is it "just" a reader and the codes are deciphered elsewhere). Freeing the wire harness for this thing would require removing all the switch assemblies, so I'd really like to leave it in place.

I've got to get this right the first time, because I use a shop somewhere other than home (with lifts) and any job must start and complete in less than eight hours. Removing the installed column, then modifying and installing the new column, only to find that car won't start is NOT on the agenda!

As always: THANKS GUYS!

 

Swapping the column can be done on the floor with the door open. The new columns are not fitted with the lock barrel so you must swap yours to the replacement column.

The exciter ring just reads the key so if the replacement column has one on it, you should be good to go. If you get a P1260 then you could try to use the original.

Remove the key transponder from the lock barrel.
Insert the ignition key in the steering lock barrel and turn it to the auxiliary position.
Remove the lock barrel assembly from the steering column.
Depress the lock barrel retaining peg.
Withdraw the lock barrel assembly.

JTIS has a good drawing of the release pin.

bob gauff

 

Hi Bob,

If the new columns (is '03 new?) don't have the barrels, what does that mean and how would I follow the rest of your instructions?

I have a manual (I think it's JTIS - same diagrams I see everywhere else) and can't find a single reference to withdrawing the barrel. Absolutely no sign of a retaining plug.

Is this thing I'm pointing to in the picture the Key Transponder (or is the transponder the black ring?)

What's the difference between "Remove the lock barrel assembly from the steering column" and "Withdraw the lock barrel assembly" in your instructions?

Thanks as always. Sorry to be a little "dense" over this. I'm a pretty good wrench otherwise (honest!) ;-)

 

Perhaps this will help.

 

Thanks Craig! I'll look again when I get back from Christmas, but I swear, if that peg is there - where the diagram shows -and I missed it, I'm going to the eye doctor immediately.

BTW: I have an '03. For which years does your diagram apply?

 

According to the diagram, that peg should be just about where my finger is in this photo.


To tell the truth, the lock housings look different too, but that's a tough call with just a line drawing.

 

Those pages were from the 2003 XK series shop manual. I believe you have to remove the transponder ring to see the pin.

 

If you look in JTIS for removing common components you will need to find the FIRST MODEL YEAR production of the car for the parts you want to remove. The subsequent years may NOT have the instructions because there was NO CHANGE to the parts OR procedures. This is one of the eccentricities of the JTIS.

I looked at the 1998 column lock because it was the FIRST MODEL YEAR for the KTM and immobilizer in the U.S.

If you look up 1999 it might not be there because there is no change from 1998 and redundancy is unessesary.

I hope this helps people find things in JTIS.

bob gauff