How do i remove the ignition switch?

[jmfpEJ22T]

Hey guys I've been trying to find posts on here to help me but I can't find one that gives me specific info on how to remove the ignition switch. There are two bolts that hold it to the steering column but they have the heads of rounded nails so there's nothing to grip onto to unscrew them. The reason I have to remove it is because my ej20g starts rough on cold starts and it's getting worse and the accessory power turns on intermittently with the car off so that kinda leads me to think it's a faulty ignition switch so if you guys could help me with your infinite knowledge that would really help me out.

[cj91legss]

What I've always done is used a punch and hammer and hitting them at an angle to unthread them.

I've also heard of taking a dremel tool with a cutting wheel and making a flat head slot on the head to unthread them with a flat head screw driver. You could probably do the same with a phillips.

[Legacy777]

Unfortunately, those bolts are not meant to come out without being replaced. Try some of the suggestions CJ mentioned and see if you can get them out.

[jmfpEJ22T]

Is there a possibility that it could just be the lock itself? How do you remove the lock?

[cj91legss]

you can unscrew the ignition switch from the shell of the ignition without taking those 2 bolts out i believe, i think i have done it with a stubby phillips.

[MConte05]

I just use a cutting disk and slice the bolts. Comes right off then, then replace them with serviceable bolts.

[Burnera]

you can also use a chisel and hammer to punch a slot into the bolt, then use a flathead screwdriver to back em out.

[subaru_styles]

the ignition "switch" just has 1 screw and is located on the left side of the steering wheel. subaru used the same part for many years. just replaced mine in my EA82 and for what its worth the autozone duralast part is just a rebox of the EXACT same seiki japan unit that subaru uses.