How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical which your key slides into, in contrast to the switch, which is an electrical part of the ignition system.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily solve the problem, but replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removal of the Steering Column

Most modern cars no longer utilize a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they utilize keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more efficient than the old lock cylinder method. However, there are some older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be necessary to replace it to get the car started. This is a job that should be left to professionals.

Utilizing a screwdriver, you can remove the fasteners holding the trim panels that cover the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will allow you to access the area around your steering column.

You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. This bolt keeps the signal unit and wiper in place. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you will need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto do it with the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of the bolt removal kit.

If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. You can either contact locksmiths or insert the key ignition replacement into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can employ a shear cylinder removing tool or cut the pin from the lock cylinder with a torch and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They will be able to change the cylinder's key to match your current keys and will save you the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder.

Replacing the Ignition 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 turn on or off your car. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It may be bent or broken. In this situation you'll need to replace the cylinder to get your car running.

The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder can be seen in problems when turning your key or with the ignition switch not advancing into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have an extra, put it inside the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to fine-tune the cylinder, but this only works for a short period of time.

If you have a new key you can replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure that it is placed in the flange of the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. If you're not sure about the proper alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an automotive expert.

After the cylinder is installed, turn the ignition lock repair services key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you'll have to perform the anti theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder with your key.

Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder since it is usually required to deactivate the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely involve removal and replacement of the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why it's recommended to leave this job to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able remove the cover for the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and that it begins to work properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders have been less significant in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older vehicles still have these cylinders. If you're having difficulty starting your car or the ignition switch is not working it could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix car ignition your car's issue by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

The ignition cylinder is the part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car ignition replacement and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is the electrical component that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to turn on the motor when you turn the key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move upwards and downwards, permitting your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these tiny movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. However, the key could also begin to stick and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as soon as possible.

It's not a big deal to change the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are certain that you will follow the proper procedure for your car's specific make and model. You can complete the job quickly and correctly by using a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the work for you at a time and place.

Test 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's located inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to permit key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock will wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to insert and remove 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 attempt to turn it. These problems are usually an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. In some cases, you might even notice a warning light on your dashboard that indicates an imminent failure.

As the cylinder age it is likely to be damaged due to wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which can make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue functioning. In certain instances, the ignition will still work if you jostle it into different positions however this is a dangerous sign that something could be wrong.

You can check the cylinder's ignition to see if it's worn out or the key is bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's the voltage. If you don't see any voltage, then the module and switch probably need to be replaced.

It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to repair ignition lock cylinder (see this site) the ignition cylinder as it could cost between $200 to $300. It can be complicated because you may have remove other components like the steering column to get to the ignition cylinder. Based on the vehicle you have, the replacement procedure can also require you to disable the airbag system, and you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. It is usually done by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the proper tools and the right instructions.