Remove Ignition Lock Cylinder from 2001 Avalon

It is inside of the steering column at the base of the lock cylinder where you insert your key. They are meant to be an anti theft device and not easy to get around.

Here's some instructions on how to do, Repair Guides Steering Ignition Lock switch AutoZone com

1. Close the vehicle doors.
2. Turn OFF the ignition.
3. Remove the key from the ignition.
4. Press and hold the driver side door lock switch to UNLOCK position.
5. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and remove the key. (Do not turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder.)
6. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and remove the key. (Do not turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder.)
7. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder. (Do not turn the ignition key in the lock cylinder.) Leave the ignition key in the ignition lock cylinder.
8. Release the door lock switch. The vehicle will sound three beeps in order to verify the Program Mode has been activated.
9. Press the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons together on the keyless entry transmitter and hold until the vehicle beeps twice to verify that the transmitter has been successfully programmed (this take approximately 15 seconds).
10. Perform the previous step to program up to four transmitters (including your old ones). 11. Remove the ignition key in order to exit the Program Mode.

There are several procedures in the manual--I think for different models. I think I picked the one for S-series, but let me know if this doesn't look right.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disable the SIR system.
3. Remove the steering column trim covers.
4. Turn the ignition lock cylinder to the RUN position.
   NOTE There are two retainers on the ignition lock cylinder. Depress both retainers to remove the lock cylinder from the housing.
   
   
   

   Fig. Depress the first retainer through the lock housing access hole (2) and depress the second retainer through the lock housing access hole (1)
   

5. Depress the first retainer through the lock housing access hole with a small allen wrench or similar pick-type tool. The lock cylinder will back out slightly.
6. Depress the second retainer through the lock housing access hole. The lock cylinder will back out slightly again.
7. Pull the lock cylinder out enough to locate the second retainer to the lock housing access hole.
8. Depress the retainer though the access hole a second time. The ignition cylinder should release from the housing. If not, the ignition cylinder may need to be moved in and out several times to locate the retainer correctly in the hole.
9. Remove the lock cylinder from the lock housing.

To install:

1. Position the lock cylinder in the run position. Insert the cylinder into the lock housing.
2. Rotate the lock cylinder in the housing. Verify proper rotation.
3. Install the steering column trim covers.
4. Enable the SIR system.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

TO REMOVE THE IGNITION SWITCH FIRST TURN OFF RADIO.AND DISABLE AIRBAGS BY DISCONNECTING NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE WAITING 20 MINUTES UNTIL AIRBAGS DISCHARGE.TO REMOVE IGNITION SWITCH PLACE THE IGNITION KEY IN THE ACC POSITION. REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AND REMOVE THE STEERING COLUMN COVERS.DISCONNECT THE IGNTION SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS.REMOVE THE SWITCH RETAINING SCREWS THEN PULL THE SWITCH FROM THE LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING.IF YOU TRYING TO REMOVE THE LOCK CYLINDER WITH LOCK CYLINDER IN ACC POSITION. USE A SMALL SCREW DRIVER OR PUNCH. DEPRESS THE LOCK CYLINDER RETAINING PIN THEN REMOVE LOCK CYLINDER. TO INSTALL NEW LOCK CYLINDER. DEPRESS THE RETAINING PIN AND GUIDE THE LOCK CYLINDER INTO THE HOUSING UNTIL THE RETAINING PIN EXTENDS ITSELF BACK INTO THE LOCATING HOLE IN THE HOUSING.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   
2. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn to the RUN position.
   
3. Push the ignition switch lock cylinder release tab with a punch while pulling out the ignition switch lock cylinder. It is the little hole in the side.
   
4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

This is VERY simple.
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Here are procedures for removing the ignitionlock assy. If equipped with SRS, extra care must be taken while removing ang installing to avoid damage to the SRS cable reel.

IGNITION SWITCH & LOCK CYLINDER
Removal
1. Remove steering wheel and combination switch (if necessary). Disconnect ignition switch harness connectors. If shear bolt studs are accessible, use a hacksaw to cut slots into exposed studs.

2. Remove studs using a screwdriver. If shear bolt studs are recessed or hard to reach with hacksaw, use a center punch on studs. Using a drill bit and screw extractor, remove studs. Place key in ACC position and remove ignition switch and lock cylinder.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW shear bolts. Tighten shear bolts finger tight. Ensure proper operation of ignition switch and lock cylinder. Tighten shear bolts until heads break off. Install combination switch, upper and lower steering column covers and steering wheel (if removed). Tighten steering wheel nut and Torx screws to specification.

Removal
Remove steering wheel and combination switch. See STEERING WHEEL & AIR BAG and
COMBINATION SWITCH . Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Using a chisel and screwdriver,
back out bolts at steering lock bracket. Insert key into steering lock cylinder, and turn to ACC position. Using a
small Phillips screwdriver, push cylinder lock pin inward. On all models, remove ignition switch, steering lock
and bracket.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Use NEW steering lock bracket and bolts. Temporarily install ignition
switch and steering lock cylinder onto steering column. Ensure ignition switch functions normally, then tighten
steering lock cylinder bolts. Tighten lock bolts until heads twist off. To complete installation, reverse removal
procedure.
If you need anymore info let me know.

jkjjg

Turning the key mechanically unlocks this. I never heard of this and would have to fix it at all cost. If this were to happen while driving....you see what I mean? Woh