How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key will not turn and it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into, as opposed to the switch that is an electrical component of the ignition system.

Over time, "wafers" can break or become worn out. The use of WD-40 or graphite may temporarily fix the problem but replacement is the only permanent solution.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars don't have steering column locks. Instead, they utilize keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This newer system works much more efficiently and is less complicated than the lock-cylinder system of the past. However, there are a few older cars that still employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, you may require replacing it in order to restart the vehicle. This is a job that should be left to experts.

With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners holding the trim panels that surround the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This allows you to access the area around your steering column.

On the side of the steering column closest to the driver, you'll see an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew these and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. You can use a special tool to remove it or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit.

If the key can't be inserted into the ignition switch, it's a sign that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to depress the lock cylinder pin, or you can contact a locksmith for help.

A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin from the lock cylinder using a torch and then shave it to remove it from the cylinder. They can replace the cylinder's keys to match your current keys and will save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder is affixed to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. Over time the cylinder wears out. It can also break or get bent. If this occurs, the cylinder will require replacement in order for your car to begin.

The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder can be seen in problems when turning your key or the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have a spare, consider using it in the lock. You may be able use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a short period of time.

If you have a new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely seated into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. If you are unsure of the proper alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle's repair manual or an expert.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click which signifies that the ignition switch has been fully installed inside the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft system, you will need to follow the anti theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder into your key.

Some experts suggest replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is typically necessary to disable the airbag in the steering column to access the cylinder. The replacement process will likely require the removal of the steering wheel and the ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover for the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder in your vehicle. They'll also be able to make sure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed using your key, and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks have become less important in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart systems, older vehicles still have these cylinders. If your car's ignition switch is stuck or you're having difficulty starting your car ignition lock, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be the cause. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and repair the issue.

The ignition lock repair cylinder is a mechanical part of the system which connects to the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition key replacement cost switch and ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is an electrical device that connects to your car's computer to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move upwards and downwards to let your key slide into and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place but in time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will not be able slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. The key may also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

It's easy to replace your ignition cylinder, however, you should only do it if you are confident that you will follow the proper procedure for your car's specific make and model. A full repair manual for your car will assist you in getting the job done quickly and correctly. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself then let one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair Ignition lock cylinder for you at a time and location that is convenient for you.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical component that fits on your key to permit it to turn and start your vehicle. It is mounted inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and may eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.

The main indications that a car's lock cylinder is about go bad include difficulty starting your car or locating places where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. In some cases you may notice an indicator light on your dashboard that indicates an impending failure.

As the cylinder gets older it is prone to being damaged due to corrosion or wear and wear and. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down and break or damage and prevent your car's ignition from unlocking. The ignition may still work in some cases when you move it around. However, this could indicate something is not right.

You can test your ignition cylinder to see whether it's worn-out or if the key is bent or damaged. You can test with a multimeter whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage or a switch, the module are likely to need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs between $200 and $300 and it's recommended to hire an experienced mechanic complete the task. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle the replacement process may also require disabling the airbag system, and you'll need to reprogramme your key to work with the new cylinder. This can be done at the dealership, but you can learn how to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions.