Q: Ignition column popped out

asked by on January 29, 2016

My car was stolen by joyriders. The thieves popped out the ignition and started the car with pliers. They left the ignition. I am not sure if I need the whole steering column replaced or if it can be reused.

Ignition Switch Replacement $178.14 - $866.79 Get a Quote
Electric Problems Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi. It will depend on the damage done. Most likely the steering column is ok, it is the ignition lock cylinder, the housing, and the switch that have probably sustained damage and these items will need to be replaced. My advice is to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to replace the ignition switch and inspect for any other electrical problems.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What type of power steering fluid should I use?
While some fluids are interchangeable from one brand to another, power steering fluid is not one of them. For instance, you can use any brand of engine oil in your Accord, as long as it’s 0W-20. Power steering fluid should...
My car will not start. I changed the head gasket an now it will not start.
If your car was not running and a computer update got it running but the engine would shut off so you did a tuneup, brakes and a head gasket. You might have problems with the installation of the head gasket...
Battery Drain on 2012 Honda Civic
Using a trickle charger can be good for cars that are only driven occasionally, but in this case it would just be masking a larger problem. You likely have a parasitic draw on the electrical system, though you should have...
Thumping and shaking noises - 2013 Jaguar XK
If you are feeling this "shaking" through the steering wheel as well as "seat of the pants", it is likely your tires. While siting overnight, especially in cold weather, they develop a short-term "flat spot" where the tire rests on...
Loud clunking when shifting reverse. Is it the pressure switch?
Hello. It sounds like you either have a mount that is failing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or you may have an issue with the valve body in the transmission. I have also seen the driveshaft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/driveshaft-replacement) make this noise where it enters the...
My car belt keeps cutting out every time I put on a new one
Hi there: In most cases when the serpentine or drive belt keeps breaking it's due to one of three issues. First, the belt is either too tight or too loose when it's installed; which is typically caused by a drive...
Gas pump keeps shutting off. I've replaced the charcoal canister also the valve and still won't work
This is likely related to your EVAP emissions system and something called a purge valve solenoid. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system collects and temporarily stores the fuel...
Indicators for servicing stabilitrak, traction control and reduced engine power occasionally comes on. Car drives noticeably diff
You would need to have the computer systems scanned to retrieve the stored codes to isolate the cause of your vehicle going into failsafe mode. You may have a speed sensor not sending a signal or a power train or...
Can I shift my 2008 Saturn Outlook into neutral without keys?
Your car is not designed to go into neutral without the keys. When the battery is dead, you can bypass the shift interlock solenoid by inserting a screwdriver into the manual override slot. On your vehicle, I believe the override...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Odyssey
Minivans Minivans may not be the sportiest, sleekest, or sexiest vehicles on the road, and people in the market for a vehicle to haul all of their kids, pets, and gear around may not be too preoccupied with how that...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Pilot
If If you’re in the market for a larger SUV, you might think that you have to resign yourself to a gas-guzzling monster like a Suburban or a Chevy Tahoe, but that’s really not the case. With the 2012 Honda...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Fisherman
What What do anglers look for, specifically, in their vehicles? Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, and sometimes, the ability to handle rough terrain. Some fishermen also want the option of towing a boat. With that in mind, we...