You cannot remove the cylinder without the key. This being said, you have to buy a new ignition switch. Napa has a package you can order online and it includes both parts for about $25. I just had to replace mine as I bought it with no key. Come to think of it, if you have an extra lawn tractor hanging around, that ingition switch will work as a temp fix. Again this is what I did until my parts came in. Good luck.