Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2021 Subaru Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Key Lock: Replacement
CAUTION:
- Before handling the airbag system components, refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>CAUTION .
- Do not allow harness and connectors to interfere or get tangled up with other parts.
- If the steering wheel and steering angle sensor (steering roll connector) are removed, perform "VSC(VDC) Centering Mode" of the VDC. Ref. to VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL (VDC)>VDC CONTROL MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (VDCCM & H/U)>ADJUSTMENT>VDC SENSOR MIDPOINT SETTING MODE .
- Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor, and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
- Remove the cover LWR driver. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER COVER>REMOVAL .
- Remove the knee airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>KNEE AIRBAG MODULE>REMOVAL .
- Remove the steering wheel assembly. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING WHEEL>REMOVAL .
- Remove the column assembly steering. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING COLUMN>REMOVAL .
- Remove the ignition key lock.
- Secure the column assembly steering in a vise.
- Use the reverse tap and drill to remove the set bolt and remove the ignition key lock.
- Install the ignition key lock.
- Secure the ignition key lock to the column assembly steering.NOTE: When installing the ignition key lock, confirm that the fitting portion of the ignition key lock is properly engaged with the opening portion of the column shaft.
- Use new set bolts. Tighten the bolt until the bolt head is broken (bolt head wrenched off).
- Secure the ignition key lock to the column assembly steering.
- Install the column assembly steering. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING COLUMN>INSTALLATION .
- Install the steering wheel assembly. Ref. to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>STEERING WHEEL>INSTALLATION .
- Install the knee airbag module. Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>KNEE AIRBAG MODULE>INSTALLATION .
- Install the cover LWR driver. Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER COVER>INSTALLATION .
- Connect the ground terminal to battery sensor. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.