Ignition switch VAZ 2107, device, replacement, repair

The ignition switch of the VAZ 2107 is the main control element for the electrical equipment of the car. The performance of electrical systems and the vehicle as a whole depends on its serviceability. In different positions of the lock, voltage is supplied to certain circuits and consumers, ensuring the start and operation of the engine, lighting fixtures and other components and assemblies of the “seven”.

Ignition switch device VAZ 2107

The lock has a cylindrical shape with a side protrusion - a steering wheel lock. In the closed position, the lock serves as an anti-theft system, blocking the rotation of the steering wheel.

At one end of the lock there are terminals for connecting wires, at the other there is a hole for a key. Only a certain key allows you to change the position of the ignition switch, which serves as additional protection against unauthorized use of the car.

The ignition switch consists of two main parts - a contact plate (or “group”) and a switch mechanism. When the key is turned, the mechanism sets part of the contact group in motion, ensuring the closing/opening of the contacts.

Both parts of the lock may have faults, but they are not repairable. Repair of the VAZ 2107 ignition switch consists of replacing the faulty part or assembly.

The steering wheel is locked and the key in the ignition switch does not turn: causes and solutions to the problem

Every motorist has to deal with troubles of various kinds while operating a car. One of the common malfunctions is the steering wheel and ignition switch being locked. The anti-theft mechanism, designed to protect the car from other people's intervention, for certain reasons (it may even be due to the driver's fault) fails, and now it is not the attacker who can start the car and move away, but the car owner himself.

Drivers often encounter this problem, and for an inexperienced motorist this unpleasant moment can cause panic. It’s not that the malfunction is serious, but the plan of events for the current day can easily be disrupted, and at the same time spoil the mood. But there is no need to sow panic in advance and rush to involve specialists in the matter. Although the possibility of needing the services of professionals cannot be ruled out, the problem can often be solved on our own. Why the anti-theft device does not recognize the owner and how to cope with the situation if the method of protection from strangers did not work in your favor, we will figure it out.

Malfunctions of the ignition switch VAZ 2107

If the mechanical part of the lock (“secret”) malfunctions, the key begins to turn tightly in the mechanism and may jam. This often ends with the key itself breaking, part of which remains in the lock. You can try to slightly prolong the operation of a stuck lock using WD-40 or brake fluid, but this will not eliminate the need to replace it immediately.

The second problem is that the lock contact group burns out or breaks. Especially often the contact pair responsible for turning on the starter fails. In this case, when you turn the key, the starter does not work or does not turn on on the first try. You can verify that the contacts are not working by checking the voltage at the terminals of the contact group with a voltmeter or “tester”. Faulty contacts are not a reason to completely replace the lock. In this case, you can only replace the contact group, which does not even require completely dismantling the ignition switch. Taking into account the low cost of the contact group, if the mechanical part of the lock malfunctions, it is easier to replace the entire lock assembly, so that you do not have to waste time replacing old contacts.

Professional advice

If a desperate motorist only thinks about how to break the steering lock, he can read the material below. In fact, the ignition switch helps protect any car from the unlawful actions of car thieves. Of course, breakdowns and blockages often cannot be avoided, but there is a more humane method to unlock the ignition switch. To do this, you will have to completely remove it from the car and start the car with a screwdriver or a standard object. At the same time, as long as the car is not equipped with an ignition switch, it is advisable to park it in a paid parking lot.

The device removed from the car, which makes more than one car owner worry about how to unlock the steering wheel without the ignition key, also locks the steering shaft. As a result, the motorist loses the opportunity to start his vehicle without the help of the ignition key. It is worth considering that the device can only be removed in one specific key position.

Removing the steering wheel lock without a key

Sometimes you can’t figure out on your own how to unlock the steering wheel without the ignition key. Often this unit fails due to too much service life, careless handling, or during an attempted theft. In such a situation, you should take the help of professionals.

As practice shows, the actions of the car owner directly depend on what is causing the device to no longer function as before. The easiest way, of course, is to install a newly purchased lock in the car. For a qualified specialist this work will not be difficult.

Replacing the contact group of the ignition switch VAZ 2107

If the ignition switch contacts are burnt and when you turn the key, the electrical circuits do not turn on (usually this is the power supply to the starter traction relay), you can repair the VAZ 2107 ignition switch by replacing the contact group.

The tools you will need are an awl or a thin flat-head screwdriver. The procedure is as follows:

Disconnect the ground wire from the battery.
Turn the key vertically (to position “0”).
Unscrew the screws securing the plastic casing covering the steering column.
Remove the casing.
Disconnect the terminals of the wires going to the ignition switch contact group.

blue with a black stripe on terminal 15;
brown to terminal 30/1;
pink to terminal 30;
red (magenta) to terminal 50;
black to the INT terminal.

The wiring diagram is also indicated on the box.

Using an awl or a screwdriver, pry up and remove the retaining ring that holds the contact group in the ignition switch housing (this operation is inconvenient and sometimes difficult to perform without some experience).
Pull out the old contact group.
Insert a new contact group.

Install the retaining ring into the housing groove.
Connect the wires to the terminal of the contact group.
Install the cover on the steering column and tighten the fastening screws.
Connect the ground wire to the battery.
Check the functionality of the lock.

At this point, the replacement of the contact group is completed and the machine is ready for operation.

Rules for unlocking the steering wheel without an ignition key

The owner of any domestic or foreign car should know how to unlock the steering wheel without an ignition key. However, it is impossible to write the only correct algorithm, by executing which the vehicle owner can get rid of the problem. As a rule, all cars have a number of distinctive features, which is why the designs of the locks differ, and accordingly, the algorithms for unlocking the steering wheel also differ.

As practice shows, a car owner who wants to understand how to remove the steering wheel lock without a key should be prepared for the fact that there are several effective methods that can be suitable for a car of any brand.

Firstly, you can break the steering wheel lock by sharply turning the steering wheel in any direction. However, this manipulation does not always help get rid of the problem. The problem is that in order to break the blocker itself, you will need remarkable male strength, which can also lead to the breakdown of the steering wheel. In addition, you can damage the entire mechanism, not just the lock. Secondly, you can try to remove the blocker. To do this, you will have to resort to cutting or drilling the ignition switch, as well as the entire steering column. True, in order to implement the second option, it will take time and appropriate tools.

Replacing the ignition switch of a VAZ 2107

If the ignition switch sticks or does not turn, it is necessary to change the “secret” or the lock assembly. Replacing the ignition switch of a VAZ 2107 is carried out as follows:

Disconnect the ground from the battery (if this is not done, the probability of a short circuit when removing the lock will be 100 percent).
Set the lock to position “0”.
Unscrew the steering column housing screws.
Remove the steering column cover.
Unscrew the two ignition switch mounting bolts.
Through the technological hole in the place where the lock is attached, press the latch holding the lock body and push the lock out of the installation location.
Disconnect the wires going to the ignition switch contact group.
If it is necessary to change only the mechanical part of the lock, use a screwdriver to pull out the retaining ring, dismantle the contact group and move it to the new lock.
Install the new lock into the seat.
Tighten the ignition switch mounting bolts.
Connect the wires to the ignition switch contacts in accordance with the connection diagram.
Install the protective (decorative) cover of the steering column.
Tighten the bolts securing the protective cover.
Connect the ground wire to the battery.
Make sure the ignition switch is working.

The operation to dismantle the ignition switch is quite simple. Therefore, it is recommended to remove it entirely to replace only the contact group. This greatly facilitates the removal and installation of the retaining ring holding the ignition contact group.

How to unlock the steering wheel yourself without an ignition key

Sometimes owners of foreign cars are faced with a situation where the car’s steering wheel is blocked, which leads to immobilization of the vehicle. Often the problem occurs to novice drivers, but even a real professional can be caught off guard by a locked steering wheel.

Not only the owner of a foreign car should know how to unlock the steering wheel without an ignition key. Domestic manufacturers today are also beginning to actively introduce various anti-theft technologies.

Professional advice on removing blocking

Experts assure that in order to unlock your car’s steering wheel, it is best to contact a service center and arrange a meeting with a specialist. This option is especially relevant for those drivers whose car is under warranty service. If your car's steering wheel won't turn, don't panic and take drastic measures to fix the problem. After all, any intervention in the design of the car will entail termination of the warranty service.

Professionals recommend the following ways to solve the problem:

Place the car in a paid parking lot and remove the blocker;
Make an appointment with an unlocking specialist;
Try to unblock it yourself, without resorting to radical methods.

The method for solving the problem directly depends on what caused the mechanism to stop. For example, on many Nissan cars, blocking can occur when turning the steering wheel with the engine off. You can try to get out of an awkward situation on your own when the car is immobilized. To do this, you need to turn the ignition key while turning the steering wheel.

If the steering wheel was locked after an attempt to steal a vehicle, and the mechanism itself was damaged, then you should resort to replacing the lock. For specialists, this work will not be a problem.

Clogging and freezing of the larva

Due to dirt accumulated inside the lock, the key jams and jams in various positions. If the jam occurs in the intermediate position indicated by the letters ON and ACC, it cannot be removed. What to do:

purchase WD-40 lubricant in an aerosol can from your local auto parts store and blow it into the mechanism through the keyhole slots;
make attempts to turn the key by rotating it in different directions and swinging it in the lock;
periodically add lubricants to dissolve the dirt inside the larva;
Gently tap the key head and lock with a light hammer or similar object.

Recommendation. During the manipulations, keep the car on the hand brake. By focusing on the stuck mechanism, you may not notice the car rolling away.

Usually the blockage can be cleared using these methods and the key is turned at least once. This is enough to get to the nearest car service center or garage. If attempts are unsuccessful, it is necessary to dismantle the lock or get to the contact group in another way. Without disconnecting the wires, turn the shaft with a screwdriver and start the motor. Do not touch the key - you may accidentally engage the mechanical lock.

A frozen mechanism is “treated” by warming it up . Pouring hot water is not allowed: just heat the key with a lighter, insert it into the well and try to turn it. The second option is to fill the mechanism with warm WD-40 lubricant from a heated can.

Step-by-step removal process

The first step is to de-energize the car's electrical equipment by removing the negative terminal from the battery.

After this, you can remove the front panel of the lock. Before removing the ignition switch, disconnect the plug with power wires and the safety relay plug from it.

Next, you can begin to remove the lock itself.

If the reason for removal was that the key does not turn in the ignition switch, then you can try to repair and replace its damaged sections or completely replace it with a new device.

The lock should be installed in the reverse order of removal.

Price issue

If it is still impossible to repair a broken lock, you need to purchase and install a new one.

If you are planning to do this yourself, then first you need to purchase a lock that matches the make of the car from a spare parts store. Depending on this, the cost of the device will vary. As a rule, parts from imported manufacturers have a higher cost (from 2 thousand rubles) than from domestic ones (up to 1 thousand). As for the same VAZ, the price of the product can range from 300 to 700 rubles.

Wear and deformation of the key

In a situation where a worn ignition switch is jammed, it is necessary to perform all the manipulations described above. The goal is to start the engine and deliver the car to the repair site. Use a similar approach: swing and turn the key, lubricate the cylinder with aerosol.

If you are on the road away from any shops, use motor oil for lubrication. Remove the dipstick from the engine and drip lubricant onto the working part of the key, then insert it into the well several times. If there is no result, disassemble the lock - there is no other way out.

Often the cause of a jammed lock is a bent key. Having discovered deformation, bend the splined part on a flat area with light and careful blows of a hammer. A cracked or broken key cannot be used - a piece of metal may remain in the lock the next time you try to start the engine.

Removing a faulty device

To remove the ignition switch of a VAZ 2106, the following tools are required:

positive screwdriver;
slotted screwdriver;
awl.

Replacing the ignition unit

If you do not have an awl, to dismantle the device, you can use a long thin nail with a cross section of 1.5-2 mm with a wide head or a screwdriver to unscrew small screws from the body of mobile phones.

Before carrying out the main procedure, it is necessary to remove the negative terminal from the battery. Despite the fact that a 12-volt current is practically harmless to the health of an adult, when removing the device, you can accidentally short-circuit the wires, which, in turn, can lead to the failure of important electrical equipment of the car.

To begin, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it 90 degrees to the “0” position. This is necessary so that the pin holding the steering shaft from turning fits slightly into the secret part and does not interfere with dismantling.
Next, you need to remove the plastic steering column cover. To do this, sequentially unscrew the 5 screws connecting the lower and upper parts of the casing.
Then carefully lift the upper part of the steering column housing and pull it up. After this, remove both parts of the casing to the side.
Next, find and unscrew the screws securing the device itself. There are two of them, they are located at the bottom of the switch, on the right and left.
Then disconnect the wires from the ignition switch contacts.
Next, find a flat slot on the bracket to the left of the device, insert an awl there and forcefully press the latch with it.
After this, you can remove the device from the bracket by prying it with a slotted screwdriver.

If, despite all the efforts made, the switch “refuses” to come out of the bracket, it means that the latch is not pressed all the way. You need to press the latch with an awl, and then move the key slightly left and right without turning it. The latch will compress completely, and all that remains is to pull out the switch.

Castle freezing. Advice from experienced motorists

This is a rare problem, but we will look at it anyway. When using the machine in winter, condensation may accumulate in the lock. And when the car cools down in the parking lot, it freezes, immobilizing the moving elements.

And if the key does not turn in the ignition, there is no need to worry again and immediately disassemble it. Experienced drivers advise first to carry out several “resuscitation” operations. Turn on the standard cigarette lighter to warm up, and when it gets hot, bring its end part to the lock hole - this may help. Another method is to heat the working plate of the key from an open flame source (matches, lighter) and insert it into the lock. After waiting a few seconds, you can try turning the key. If nothing happens the first time, the warm-up operation should be repeated. When there is a source of electricity, you can use a regular household hair dryer to warm up.

The most common causes of problems with the key

So, why does it fail to turn when you turn the ignition key?

For what reasons can you not remove a stuck ignition key?

The lock has been activated. Nowadays, almost all vehicles are equipped with a steering wheel locking device. So, if the key is stuck in the ignition, it is quite possible that the locking mechanism, designed to prevent car theft, has been activated . In this case, the protection is to prevent the possibility of energy being transferred to the starter unit and, thus, preventing a potential attacker from starting the engine.
If the key is jammed and cannot turn, and it is also impossible to remove it, it is quite possible that the reason lies in the device being clogged. Dirt and debris can get into the 3Z design, especially if the mechanism is lubricated with oil. Typically, lubricant is used to ensure better functioning of moving components. But it must be borne in mind that products of this kind are an excellent magnet for chips and wear products, as well as dust. Moreover, if cleaning is not done in time, then over time even more dirt will accumulate in the structure, so the key will continue to get stuck and cannot be pulled out.
Also, in practice, the key in the ignition switch often does not turn due to freezing of the structure. This problem occurs especially often in the winter season. Jamming occurs as a result of the appearance of condensation on the 3Z mechanism, which is formed as a result of the evaporation of various liquids. The condensate itself settles on the structural elements, and due to the temperature difference it turns into ice. Accordingly, the key cannot be turned or removed due to an obstacle - ice - on the moving components.
Another reason why the ignition key cannot turn may be due to worn elements. Moreover, we can talk about both the wear of the key and the secret components of the locking device itself. If you think that this is where the problem lies, then it is necessary to carry out a detailed diagnosis and compare the old short circuit with the spare one. In the event that traces of wear on the relief of the teeth are really visible, then first of all you need to order a duplicate. Try not to use a spare key, since you will have nothing to make a copy of in the future.
Deformation or breakage. As a rule, the problem of deformation arises among those motorists who use the short circuit for other purposes. For example, as a screwdriver or beer bottle opener. It must be remembered that keys are always made from fairly soft metals, so this element can break very quickly. If the short circuit is simply deformed, then this is not a problem - you can always try to restore it by trimming it with a hammer. But if the problem lies in the wear of secret components in the locking device itself, then it can only be detected after dismantling the mechanism and disassembling it. 3Z secrets can be damaged as a result of the driver accidentally inserting the wrong key (the author of the video is Antonich and Alexey Podolyak).

The castle is frozen

Freezing of the lock is important for cold times of the day. When moisture accumulates inside and the temperature drops, it turns into ice, thereby preventing you from calmly inserting and turning the key in the lock.

The procedure in such a situation is extremely simple. You can use several defrosting methods:

The key itself is damaged

With prolonged use, the key may simply break and wear out. Contacts are erased and deformed.

A spare key, which almost everyone always has, will help you here. If you don't have a spare one, you can try restoring the old one. But this is relevant in a situation where it has been bent and deformed. It is impossible to build up erased contacts with your own hands.

It is usually recommended to insert worn keys and try to turn them in different positions and with different forces. There is a chance that you will be able to hit the secret key and the engine will start. But the key needs to be replaced soon.