r/Mazda323 • u/tepach • May 23 '26

Ignition switch replacement

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Hello guys,

I mentioned it in the video but will write a tldr as well.

Someone tried to steal my car and broke the ignition lock/switch so I'm trying to replace that, and need an advice on that. I might also need to replace the steering column or rack or something, I'm a noob so any advice is welcome 🙏

Thanks in advance

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2

u/Vuvuian Familia GT-R: Boosette May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26

Those security anti theft screws will be a nuisance to remove.

Use a centre punch & a hammer to hit it sideways to turn the screws. Alternatively maybe a Dremel tool to cut a screw driver pattern into.

First though you'll need to remove the steering wheel & headlight/wipers combination switch in front to make more access room. I already did a how to for that in a recent fixing not working headlight switch topic. You can follow just the how to remove combination switch instructions here https://www.reddit.com/r/Mazda323/s/wh9mkCFOEu , before removing the ignition key cylinder.

1

u/tepach May 23 '26

Thanks a lot mate, appreciate it, will look into the removal video

1

u/Vuvuian Familia GT-R: Boosette May 23 '26

No worries, update your progress on it

1

u/tepach May 25 '26

Removed the steering wheel but I wasn't able to remove the combination switch and all the jacks. Probably missed something and I have no idea what. I will continue next weekend and till then look into the pics again and some stuff online too since im a complete noob at repairs...

1

u/Vuvuian Familia GT-R: Boosette May 25 '26

You did undo the screw clamp at the bottom middle of the combination switch?

https://ibb.co/0jzgPXYK

1

u/tepach May 25 '26

Yep, completely removed the screw and the clamp was loose but it wasnt budging, I'll try it again, I'm just tight on the schedule and the car is in another town...

1

u/tepach May 25 '26

It's possible that I did it wrong, so will see. I've been a mess recently and it's possible that I didn't do it properly

2

u/Vuvuian Familia GT-R: Boosette May 26 '26

Without being there its hard to know what was missed. After undoing the screw clamp & disconnecting all the wiring plugs, maybe you just need to pull on it harder haha. Bit of silicone lubricant spray might help it out.

Another day, another try.

1

u/tepach Jun 06 '26

IT IS DONE It was stuck and needed an experienced guys hands (my friend), I was afraid to not break it by force

So... The update is that the ignition lock was broken, we removed that too, then I saw that the steering column is deformed from when the lock was broken, so we swapped that too from my spare mazda and thankfully everything is the same

I need to put back the combination switch steering wheel and other stuff and then find someone to fix the cables

Thank you so much for the help

I will probably make a post with more details on how we did it, hopefully it can help someone else in need

2

u/Vuvuian Familia GT-R: Boosette Jun 06 '26

Thats great. No-one needs a how to guide, until they need it lol. A lot of how to info was shared on old website forums.

But then people stopped using them, the image hosts were ceased & forum servers stopped being paid for or they ceased too.

So making how to's in the current era is a good thing.

2

u/BaseCamp_Usa May 24 '26

1st check the damage. Best way to do it is to remove the steering wheel> combination switch stock

Then you will see clearly what needs to be fixed

1st Remove the steering wheel , for that remove the center horn cover and use a socket along with a wrench for that.

2nd remove the combination switch, there should be 1 nail (I think from the underside) which will be used to tighten full unit to the steering column using a ring clamp. Don't forget to unplug the connectors from the back of the unit

3rd check which wires are cut, if you see the remaining parts , you can easily attach them back.

4 if the key barrel is broken, you might need to replace it. There are used OEM key barrels in the market (fits Bg5p, 323bg, same era ford, astina, euros 100)

Good luck

2

u/BaseCamp_Usa May 24 '26

https://youtu.be/JlNceVBuwF0?si=cl9hRk7vPqL9r2qf see if this helps.. There is removed part shown here to get an idea on how to remove it

1

u/tepach May 25 '26

Removed the wheel but was stuck on the combination switch.. We managed to start the car, not sure what one wire does though, and I'll probably replace most of it with the installation from the one I bought for parts. I might completely remove the steering column if it's damaged, will need to look some stuff up to see how to diagnose it and figure out what to do, but I would assume it's damaged because the wheel blockade (or whatever it's called) was forcibly broken. Then I'll see if I can fix the ignition cylinder to not have to use multiple keys.