04 Ignition lock cylinder replacement help

[Skiian]

Well the last few weeks its been getting more and more difficult to start my car, wiggling the steering wheel didn't really help. I put a little bit of WD in there, nothing. Found if i pull the key slightly up when trying to turn it i can get it to start without issues. Which leads me to the ignition lock cylinder needing to be replaced because the tumblers are wearing out. Ive done some searching through the forums and youtube but havent really find anything specific to the 4th Gen on how to replace it yourself. I am aware ill have one key to get in the vehicle and another to start unless I get the new one keyed to match. Anyone able to shed some light on the process of removing the old one and installing a new one. I'm at the point where the under plastics are off with the metal brace and I've removed the LED/sensor thing thats around the lock. But there is a white clip or something on the under side I don't understand if thats supposed to be removed too or does this not have to be removed and that hole your supposed to put a small screw driver/allan key in to pop the cylinder out is actually located on the top side of the assembly not the bottom like the 3rd Gens. Appreciate any help.

 

[Skiian]

Bump. Anyone ever change out the Ignition Lock Cylinder on a 4th Gen. Cant find any sort of pop rivet to drill out or hole to put a small screw driver in to pop out the lock when in ACC.

 

[patrickd]

did you figure this out? I'm stuck at the same place, that little white plastic thing slides a little with the key out, stuck in place with key in.
it must have some thing to do with holding the cylinder in but i can't get it loose and don't want to force it.

not much info out there on this. must not fail often or people don't share.

 

[patrickd]

OK, i figured it out and don't mind sharing to help others.

that little plastic thing has nothing to do with getting the lock cylinder out. I thought the button was behind it and wasted much time trying to get it off.
the button to depress is on the opposite side of lock housing. It is hard get to but possible with a decent length 90° angle pick.

 

[AuSeeker]

OK, i figured it out and don't mind sharing to help others.

that little plastic thing has nothing to do with getting the lock cylinder out. I thought the button was behind it and wasted much time trying to get it off.
the button to depress is on the opposite side of lock housing. It is hard get to but possible with a decent length 90° angle pick.

Thanks!!

Just to clarify, when you say "button" is this an actual protruding button, or a hole you're sticking the pick into to release the cylinder?

 

[patrickd]

yes

the button is the spring loaded pin on the lock cylinder.
it fits in the hole in the housing that holds the lock cylinder.
so they are in the same place.

in my 04 4runner this is near the top maybe offset a little like 11 o'clock.
the hole is pretty far back without much room to see it. you need a long pick, the little harbor freight one might not reach.

main takeaway is don't get hung up on that stupid plastic thing on the bottom like me and the OP did.