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CostHelper > Cars  > Ignition Switch Replacement

Ignition Switch Replacement Cost


How Much Does Ignition Switch Replacement Cost?

 
low costAverage Part: $50-$250average costTypical 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.
Related articles: Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement, Ignition Coil Replacement, Starter Motor Replacement, Alternator, Car Battery, Towing a Car

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: 1992Auto 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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Ignition Switch
Amount: $230.00
Posted by: Ford Owner in Durham, NC.Posted: November 15th, 2017 01:11PM
Car Year: 2008Auto Shop: Northgate Auto Express
Great job. 24 month warranty.
2008 Ford Focus SES
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Car ignition replacement
Amount: $749.00
Posted by: Josephine Sairras in Miami, FL.Posted: October 13th, 2017 07:10AM
Car Year: 2006 sonataAuto Shop: Midas
I paid $749.00 for parts and labor. After 2 days my car does not start again. I called the company. Im waiting for them to call me back. Im frustrated. Ripped off.
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Ignition Switch
Amount: $703.42
Posted by: Colt Champ in Tulsa, OK.Posted: July 20th, 2017 12:07PM
Car Year: 2007Auto Shop: Bill Knight
Definitely got ripped off!! Took it to the dealer knowing it was the ignition switch was charged for 3hrs diagnostics on top of the $245.00 part!! Most dealerships apply diagnostic fees towards work. No way this is a 3hr job!! Absolutely ridiculous!! Definitely won't refer business or return to Bill Knight in Tulsa, OK.
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Egnition switch
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Parker Edwards in Tulsa, OK.Posted: July 1st, 2017 02:07AM
Car Year: 1994Auto Shop:
My car a gmc jimmi 94',is shifting gears, I think its stuck in 3rd hear, but have found out it's most likely the egnition switch is out or burned up . How much would cost to have a ignition switch out in
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ignition switch replacement in jeep 2002
Amount: $175.00
Posted by: pmh in boca raton, FL.Posted: March 10th, 2017 12:03PM
Car Make: jeepCar Model: grand cherokee limited
Car Year: 2002Auto Shop:
triple A field repair shop, 175.00 took 45 minutes
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Ignition switch
Amount: $364.89
Posted by: M.I. Moreno in Midland, TX.Posted: July 8th, 2016 07:07AM
Car Year: 2008Auto Shop: Carrillos Automotive
Remove & install Ignition switch.
Part $103.99
Labor $241.50
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Mustang
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: Linda Blankenburg in Fort Worth, TX.Posted: June 21st, 2016 01:06PM
Car Year: 1995Auto Shop:
Just find the keys and I know that the starter is gone on it.Been sitting awhile.
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Lost keys, replaced lock cylinder
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: Sig in Las Vegas, NV.Posted: March 17th, 2016 04:03PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Windstar
Car Year: 2001Auto Shop: 24/7 Locksmith
****AVOID 24/7 LOCKSMITH.....24/7!!!
After doing a little research, admittedly I should've done beforehand, this price was a rip off. Now, I accepted the price, but they only gave us one key. I thought it was a mistake, called them and twice, by a Customer Serv. Rep. and the tech who worked on it the day before, they promised to come by and make a 2nd one at no charge. "No problem". Then eventually refused everything. Terrible.
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Ignition Switch
Amount: $37.50
Posted by: InABrownPaperBag in Hallandale Beach, FL.Posted: December 6th, 2015 04:12PM
Car Make: ChevroletCar Model: Trailblazer
Car Year: 2003Auto Shop: O\'Reilly\'s
With a little help from YouTube I was able to diagnose the problem, buy he part, and fix it myself. I've replaced the ignition switch twice (I'm not sure why the first replacement lasted less than two years). It took me about two hours the first time as I was very nervous that I would mess up and my car would be inoperable.
The second time replacing the switch took me 35 minutes. It was much quicker and definitely mor sure-footed. Since I'm not a car girl, I feel like a genius when I'm able to repairs on my car.. ...a genius who is saving lots of money!
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ignition switch
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: vhart in Catawba, SC.Posted: July 21st, 2015 08:07AM
Car Make: KiaCar Model: Optima
Car Year: 2009Auto Shop:
The switch locked and would not turn at all. A local mechanic said I needed a locksmith and recommended one that he would call had I towed my car to his shop. The locksmith could not find a switch for my car locally and had to special order overnight. When he came out to replace it, it only took him about 30 min.
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Ignition switch
Amount: $35.00
Posted by: brian s in POLLOCK PINES, CA.Posted: March 31st, 2015 09:03PM
Car Year: 1995Auto Shop: Autozone
bought the part at autozone for $35 and replace myself in about 20 minutes. It's very easy and there are plenty of how to videos on YouTube.
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Ignition Switch
Amount: $265.00
Posted by: Rob8 in Neptune, NJ.Posted: December 24th, 2014 11:12AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Focus SE
Car Year: 2001Auto Shop: America\'s Locksmith
Was quoted fixed fee of $170. Tech came out, said he needed another part and returned next day with a lock cylinder. Replaced cylinder and said fee was $265. Rip off. I suggest anyone needing a lock cylinder replacement first call Pep Boys or Autozone and find out what a new lock cylinder costs. A new cylinder comes with 2 new keys. Knowing the cost of parts, you can negotiate a fixed fee for labor. Don't let these guys rip you off because of ignorance. It's disgusting. It only takes a qualified tech about an hour to swap out a lock cylinder. That's not worth $170/hr.
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ignition switch
Amount: $325.00
Posted by: Paul B. in Dawsonville, GA.Posted: November 16th, 2014 06:11AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Escort
Car Year: 1995Auto Shop: Tower Auto Repair
I was ripped off!They also charged me a $70.00 diagnostic fee! Another shop told be they would've done it for $179.00 and no diagnostic fee because they could tell in 5 minutes if it was the ignition switch or the starter. I asked them to lower the bill $75.00 which they refused to do! After bringing both my cars to them for 5 years, they lost my business forever! How stupid can you be!
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Ignition Switch
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Jazz Duran in South Gate, CA.Posted: October 3rd, 2014 07:10PM
Car Year: 1998Auto Shop: Maestros Auto Shop
I think he totally stole from me. Googling now, that part cost atleast $39 dollars...so that means 170 went for labor. And now youtubing shows that it's not a very hard process.
In the beginning he had said $200 but it was going to come with a change of keys and whatever so of course it made sense. But then he showed me what he actually changed which is the small part of the ignition switch and he rings me up and says $220!!! Are you joking?! I got so mad and he then lowered it to $200. I've never been so angry! I could've easily done it myself and it wouldn't have taken me a whole 2 days!
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External Resources:
  1.  www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Ignition-Switch/_/N-9n859?filterByKeyWord=ignition...
  2.  www.youtube.com/user/richpin06a?feature=watch
  3.  storelocator.pepboys.com/pepboys/
  4.  www.sears.com/automotive/v-1020005
  5.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  6.  autorepair.iatn.net/
  7.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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