How to repair Ignition lock cylinder an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. In contrast to the switch which is the electrical part of the ignition system, which sends the power to the engine of your vehicle the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. The use of WD-40 or graphite could temporarily solve the issue, but replacement is the only solution that lasts.

Removal of the Steering Column

Modern cars do not use a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have keys that are used to start the car by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This newer system is much simpler and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. However, there are older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. When this part fails, you may need to replace it to be able to start the vehicle. This is not a job for the beginner and should be left to professionals.

With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners that hold the trim panels that cover the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This allows you to access the area around the steering column.

On the side of the column closest to the driver, you'll notice an Allen head bolt that holds the assembly of the wiper and signal. Remove this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, it could have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To access the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. You can either make use of a specific tool to accomplish this, or ghetto it with the help of a piece of metal, for example a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be capable of using a shear bolt removal kit.

If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to depress the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can contact a locksmith for help.

Locksmiths can use a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder. They can use a torch to cut the pin and then shave the pin to remove it. They will be able to re-key the cylinder to match the keys you have and save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to start or stop your vehicle. Over time, the cylinder can wear out. It can be bent or broken. In this case you'll need to replace the cylinder in order to get your car ignition lock started.

A worn or broken cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or causing the ignition switch not moving into the ACC position or RUN or a warning lamp to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You could try using some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, but this only works for a limited time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have a replacement key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder, make sure it is properly seated in the steering column tube flange and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the steering column shroud. If you are unsure of the proper alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an automotive expert.

After the cylinder is installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Listen for the click to confirm that the ignition switch has been completely seated into the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft device, you'll be required to go through the anti-theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder with your key.

Some experts recommend having a professional replace the ignition cylinder since it is often required to deactivate the airbag in the steering column in order to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. Because of this, it is a job that should be left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to take off the cover for the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able to verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key, and that it will start correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders have become less important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart systems, older cars still make use of these cylinders. If you're having trouble getting your car ignition lock started or the ignition switch is stuck, it could be an issue with the ignition lock repair cylinder. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and fix the issue.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to the computer in your car and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the 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 cylinder and the key creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these small movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer 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 indication of trouble is usually a worn 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 should replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it's a job that should be done by a trained DIYer only if you're able to follow the proper procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and accurately by using a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the work for you at a time and location.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical part that fits on your key to permit it to turn and start your vehicle. It is mounted inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock is susceptible to wear and can eventually fail, causing problems with the power supply to your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.

The most obvious signs that a car's lock cylinder is about fail is difficulty starting your vehicle or finding places where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These problems are usually a sign that the cylinder must be replaced. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to signal the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder gets older it can be damaged through wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear out and break and prevent your car's ignition from unlocking. In certain instances, the ignition will still work if you move it in different directions but this is a dangerous indication that something is wrong.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see whether it's worn-out or if the key is bent or damaged. You can use a multimeter to check whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage, then the module and switch are likely to require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs $200 to $300, and it's usually best to let an expert mechanic do the job. It can be complicated because you may have to remove other components such as the steering column, to get to the ignition cylinder. The replacement procedure may also require you to disable the airbag system, and then reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. It is usually done by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if have the right tools and the right instructions.