Used ignition switch prices

Across 90 vehicle-specific guides with current pricing, used ignition switch guide medians run from $61 to $183, with a typical median of $99. Condition grade, mileage, and fitment move the price within that range.

Usually, yes. Buying a used ignition switch from a salvage yard or auto recycler typically costs a fraction of the new ignition switch replacement cost at a dealership. Compare the grade-level medians above against any replacement quote you've received, and remember our figures exclude shipping and installation labor.

Salvage yards, junkyards, pick-and-pull lots, and online used parts marketplaces all sell used ignition switchs. Our index tracks asking prices nationally, so you can benchmark a local quote against the market range before you buy.

Expect to pay toward the upper half of the $61–$183 range for a grade-A ignition switch with low mileage. Check the grade table above for the current grade-level medians, and confirm whether shipping and any core charge are included in the quote.

They can be — condition grade is the key. Grade A parts come off low-mileage vehicles with little to no damage, grade B is average, and grade C or ungraded parts are the gamble. Buy grade A or B from a yard that offers a return window or warranty, and confirm the mileage of the donor vehicle before paying. The grade-level medians above show what each tier should cost.

Yes. A key switch is another name for a ignition switch. Other common names include ignition starter switch. The prices on this page apply regardless of what it's called in your region or by your mechanic.

No — the ignition lock cylinder is the mechanical part the physical key inserts into and turns; the ignition switch is the separate electrical switch (often mounted behind or below the cylinder) that the cylinder's rotation actually triggers, sending power to the starter, accessories, and ignition system. A hard-to-turn or sticking key usually points to the lock cylinder; a "no crank, no click" no-start with a key that turns fine usually points to the switch. They fail independently and are sold as separate used parts.