How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

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

Over time they "wafer" tumblers can wear out or break. The use of WD-40 or graphite can temporarily solve the issue however replacement is the only solution that lasts.

Removing the steering column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. They use a key to start the vehicle by pressing and turning an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more effective than the old lock cylinder method. However, there are older cars that still use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, it might be required to replace it in order to get the car started. This is a task that should be left to professionals.

Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper steering columns with a screwdriver. This will allow you access to the area around the steering column.

On the side of the column closest to the driver, you will see an Allen head bolt that pins the wiper/signal assembly in place. Remove this bolt and place it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle you might find three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic on top of the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you will need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. This requires the use of a specially designed tool, or you could do it with an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of the bolt removal kit.

If the key isn't able to be put into the auto ignition key replacement switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to release the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can contact an expert locksmith for assistance.

A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder with a torch and then shave it to remove it from the cylinder. They will be able to re-key the cylinder to match your existing keys and save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which is used to house and lock the key of your car. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to start or stop your vehicle. Over time the cylinder wears out. It could also break or become bent. In this instance, you will need to replace the cylinder to get your car running.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder include problems with turning the 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 a spare, consider using it in the lock. You may be able to use graphite or WD-40 to fine-tune the cylinder, however, this is only for a short period of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly seated into the steering-column tube flange and aligned with keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to ensure that the cylinder is aligned correctly.

Once the cylinder is in then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully installed inside the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you'll need to perform the anti-theft relearn process for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.

Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to deactivate the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely require taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why you should leave this job to a mechanic with experience. They'll be able to take off the cover on the steering column and install a brand new ignition and key replacement lock cylinder into your vehicle. They will also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed by your key and that it will start correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles thanks to advancements in push-to-start and remote start systems, Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder they're widespread on older cars. If your car's ignition switch or key is stuck, or you're having difficulty starting your car, a defective ignition lock cylinder could be to blame. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace the ignition lock cylinder and repair the issue.

The ignition cylinder is the part of the system that slides into your car's ignition switch and supplies power to the rest of the engine. While many people confuse the term "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they're two distinct components. The switch is an electrical component that connects with the computer in your car 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 slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these small movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers have worn down, the key of your car will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in most cars. However, the key could become stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as is possible.

It's not difficult to change your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are certain that you will follow the correct procedure for your specific model and make. You can do the job quickly and efficiently with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair ignition lock cylinder (please click the next post) for you at a time and place that's convenient for you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that fits your key to permit it to turn and start your car. It's mounted inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to allow key turning. The cylinder for the ignition cylinder replacement near me lock will wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

Some of the most common signs that your car's lock-cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty starting it or finding areas where the key gets caught when you turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder is worn down and requires replacement. You may even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure.

As the cylinder ages it is prone to being damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, cause damage or even break, which could make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue working. 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 to determine whether it's worn out, or the key is bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, it is possible to probe the module's red wire connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's any voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage then the switch and module are likely to need to be replaced.

Replacing the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's recommended to let an expert mechanic do the job. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you could require removing other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require you to disable the airbag system, and repair ignition lock Cylinder you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. It is usually done by a dealer. However, you could do it yourself if you have the right tools and the right instructions.