How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key will not turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. Unlike the switch which is the electrical part of the ignition system, which sends energy to the engine of your car The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. WD-40 and graphite may temporarily solve the problem however, replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars do not use steering column locks. They make use of a key to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch in the dash panel. This modern system is simpler and more efficient than the older lock cylinder method. Some older vehicles still employ the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be necessary to replace it to allow the car to start. This is a job that should be handled by professionals.

Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower column of the steering with the help of a screwdriver. This will allow 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. This bolt holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in position. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Depending on the year of your car, it could have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that hold the plastic cover on the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll need to take off the signal/wiper unit. This requires the use of a specially designed tool or perform the task using an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of a bolt removal kit.

If the key isn't able to be placed into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can use the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder, or they can use a torch to cut the pin, then shave the pin to take it off. They can re-key your ignition cylinder to ensure it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on a new ignition.

Replace the ignition cylinder lock repair Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical cylinder that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to allow you to start or stop your vehicle. Over time the cylinder wears out. It may be bent or broken. If this happens, the cylinder will need to be replaced to allow your vehicle to start.

A worn or broken cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or cause the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it in the lock. You could try using some WD-40 or graphite to adjust the cylinder's settings, however, this is only for a brief period of period of time.

If you have a brand new key to replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure that it is properly placed into the steering column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. Consult your car's manual or an expert to make sure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

Once the cylinder is in, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend replacing the ignition cylinder since it is usually required to deactivate the airbag inside the steering column to access the cylinder. The replacement may require removing the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. This is why it's best to leave the job to a mechanic with experience. They'll be able to take off the steering column cover and 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 ignition replacement, and that it will start correctly when you insert it.

Installing the ignition key replacement cost Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks are no longer as important in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart systems older cars still use these cylinders. If your ignition switch or key seems to be stuck, or if you're having difficulty starting your car it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder could be the reason. It's simple to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is a mechanical part of the system that connects to the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to rest the engine. While many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they're actually two separate parts. The switch is an electronic component that connects with your car ignition switch replacement's computer system to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move upwards and downwards, allowing your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates friction, which keeps the key in its place. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers will wear out. When the tumblers have worn down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.

The first indication of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. The key could be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

It's easy to replace your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are confident that you will follow the proper procedure for your car's specific make and model. A full repair ignition lock cylinder (you can try these out) manual for your car will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the job for you at a convenient time and location.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key and allows it to rotate and start your car. It's mounted inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to permit the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition is prone to wear and may eventually fail, leading to problems with the power supply to your vehicle or making it hard to remove and insert the key.

The most obvious signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulty in starting it, or places where the key is caught when you turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has damaged and needs replacement. In some instances you may even see an alert light on your dashboard that indicates the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder age it may be damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, cause damage or even break, which will make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue functioning. The ignition may still work in certain situations if you move it around. However this could be a sign that something is not right.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. You can use a multimeter to check if there's voltage between the red wire of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you are unable to detect any voltage then the switch and module will likely need to be replaced.

It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, since it could cost between $200 to $300. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. The process of replacing it could require you to deactivate the airbag system, and then reprogram your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder lock repair cylinder. This is usually handled by an agent. However, you could do it yourself if have the right tools and the right instructions.