Ignition Switch Replacement Cost

How Much Does Ignition Switch Replacement Cost?

Average Part: $50-$250

Typical Replacement: $100-$400, Parts and Labor

There are actually two parts that might be referred to as an ignition switch: the ignition lock cylinder that the key is inserted into to start the car, and the actual electronic ignition switch (located behind the lock cylinder) that provides power to the starter motor. In some vehicles the lock cylinder and ignition switch are a single unit, but in others they are separate components. The main symptom of a bad ignition switch is failure to start when the key is turned, although this can be caused by other factors.

Typical costs:

An ignition switch can cost $12-$550 or more but averages about $50-$250, depending on the make and model of vehicle, if it is a single part or a combined unit (both ignition switch and lock cylinder), and whether the part is aftermarket (produced by a company other than the original vehicle manufacturer) or OEM (from the vehicle manufacturer). For example, Autozone[1] charges $39 for an aftermarket ignition switch for a 2008 Honda Accord, $37 for a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 truck, $52 for a 2008 Ford Focus and $294 for a 2008 Lexus LS640. OEM parts from a dealership typically cost more than aftermarket products.
Installing an ignition switch typically takes 1-1.5 hours, at $50-$120 an hour, depending on local rates and whether the work is done at an independent or chain repair shop, or a dealership (typically the most expensive). This brings typical total costs (parts and labor) for professional installation to about $100-$400, although total costs can be $75-$100 with aftermarket parts and inexpensive labor, and $400-$600 or more for high-end vehicles with OEM parts at a dealership.

What should be included:

If the vehicle has anti-theft devices (common in newer cars), attempting to remove an ignition switch without proper tools may make the car inoperable. The exact procedure varies by vehicle, but but for some vehicles replacing an ignition switch requires disassembling the plastic steering column covers. A mechanic provides a video demonstration[2] of replacing an ignition switch on a Saturn S series.

Additional costs:

If the ignition switch has shorted out, the surrounding wires may be melted or burned, and will also need to be replaced, which will increase the total cost slightly.

Shopping for ignition switch replacement:

An ignition switch can be replaced by a car dealership, an independent repair shop, or car-repair chains like Pep Boys[3] or Sears[4] . Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[5] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[6] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[7] .

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Ignition Switch

Amount: $270.00

Posted by: Rudy D in Phoenix, AZ.	Posted: February 7th, 2018 04:02PM
Car Year: 1992	Auto Shop: Pacific Motors

I have a 1992 Pontiac Firebird. The ignition cylinder with keys cost me about $30 w/S&H, installation and chip reprogramming cost $240. I’m not sure if that was a good price or not but the car finally turns over.

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