How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's keys isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch that 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 fix the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removing the steering column

Modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they utilize keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system functions better and is much simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the old lock cylinder. If this part fails, it may be required to replace it to get the car started. This is a task that should be left to experts.

Utilizing a screwdriver, you can remove the screws that hold the trim panels that surround the upper and lower steering column. This allows you to access the area around the 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 place. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle you might find three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside.

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

If the key isn't able to be placed into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call an locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to release the pin of the lock cylinder.

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

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder is affixed to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or deny starting of your vehicle. The cylinder wears down over time. It can also break or become bent. If this occurs, the cylinder may need to be replaced to allow your car ignition barrel replacement to start.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder can be seen in problems when turning your key or with the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have an extra, use it inside the lock. You might be able to finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, however this technique only works for a certain amount of time.

If you have a brand new key you can replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps outlined above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder ensure that it is seated in the steering column tube flange, and that it is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Check the manual of your car or an expert to confirm that the cylinder is properly aligned.

Once the cylinder is in, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Listen for a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully set within the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will have to go through 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 your ignition cylinder. This is because it's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely require removal and replacement of the steering wheel and ignition covers. Because of this, it is a job that should be left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able remove the cover for the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder in your vehicle. They'll also be able to verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed by your key and that it will start correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less essential in modern vehicles because of advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're prevalent on older vehicles. If you're having difficulty starting your car or if the ignition switch is stuck, it could be an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

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

Pins on ignition lock cylinders move upwards and downwards, which allows your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. If the tumblers get worn out and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will be unable to slide into the cylinder, or turn it.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil in the majority of cars. However, the key may also begin to stick and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is a job that should be done by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. A complete repair ignition lock cylinder (Visit Wavedream) manual for your car will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself You can let one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the job for you at a time and place.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that fits your key to allow it to turn and start your vehicle. It's affixed to the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to permit the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and may eventually fail, causing problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key.

Some of the main indications that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulties in starting it or locations where the key gets caught when you turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder is worn down and requires replacement. In some cases you may notice an alert light on your dashboard that signals the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder gets older, it can become damaged due to corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which could stop your car's ignition from functioning. In certain instances, the ignition will still work if you jostle it around, but this could be a sign that something could be wrong.

You can check the cylinder in your ignition and see whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you can back-probe the module's red wire connection and the ignition key replacement cost coil's battery terminal to see if there is any voltage. If you do not find any, then the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs $200 to $300, and it's usually best to have an expert mechanic do the task. It's not an easy task because you may have remove other parts like the steering column, in order to access the ignition cylinder. Depending on your vehicle the procedure for replacing it may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you'll have change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This is typically done at a dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself using the proper tools and instructions.