How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that supplies energy to the engine of your car the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key slides into.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite could temporarily resolve the issue, but replacement is the only permanent solution.

Removing the steering column

Modern cars do not use steering column locks. Instead, they use a key that is used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dash panel. This newer system works much better and is much simpler than the old lock-cylinder method. Some older vehicles still employ the traditional lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, it might be required to replace it in order to allow the car to start. This is a job that should be left to experts.

Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower columns of the steering using a screwdriver. This allows you to access the area around your steering column.

You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. It keeps the signal unit and wiper in position. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew them and put them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder you will have to take off the wiper/signal unit. You can either make use of a specific tool to remove it or ghetto it using a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. A locksmith ignition replacement cost will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit.

If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. You can either call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to depress the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder with torch and then shave it down to remove it from the cylinder. They can re-key the ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on an entirely new ignition.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical part that houses and secures the key of your vehicle. The cylinder fits the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or deny starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder wears out. It can also be bent or G28Carkeys broken. If this happens, the cylinder will need to be replaced in order for your car to begin.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder are issues with turning the key, or with the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have an extra key, put it inside the lock. You might be able to smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40, however this technique only works for so long.

If you've got a new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the instructions above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure that it is installed within the flange of the steering column tube, and that it is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. If you are unsure of the proper alignment of the cylinder, consult your car's repair manual or an automotive expert.

Once the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully installed in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is because it's often necessary to disable the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process will likely involve taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why it's best to leave the job to a professional mechanic with experience. They'll be able remove the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They'll also be able to make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less important in modern vehicles thanks to advances in push-to-start and remote start systems, they're common on older cars. If you have trouble getting your car started or the ignition switch is faulty it could be due to an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into your car's ignition switch and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is an electronic component that connects with your car's computer to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to allow the key to slide into and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates friction, which keeps the key in position. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers will wear out. When the tumblers wear down, the key will not be able slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. However, the key can become stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are all signs that the ignition lock cylinder must be replaced as soon as possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is something that should be done by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only when you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. You can complete the task quickly and efficiently with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own You can let one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the work for you at a time and place.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical device that fits on your key to permit it to turn and start your car. It is placed inside the ignition switch which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft codes to allow the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the vehicle's power supply or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

The most obvious signs that a car's lock cylinder is preparing to fail is difficulty starting your car or locating locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder is worn down and requires replacement. You might even notice a warning light flashing on your dashboard, signalling the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder gets older it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which will stop your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition may still work in certain situations by moving it around. However this could indicate something is not right.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see if it's worn out or if the key has been bent or damaged. You can test with a multimeter whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you are unable to detect any voltage, the module and switch are likely to need to be replaced.

Replacing the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's generally recommended to hire a professional mechanic perform the task. The process is complicated by the fact that you may require removing other components to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and then you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This process is usually done by an authorized dealer, but you can learn how to do it yourself using the right tools and instructions.