How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch that is the electrical component of the ignition system that supplies power to your vehicle's engine the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into.

Over time they "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break. Using WD-40 or graphite can temporarily fix the problem, but replacement is the only permanent solution.

The steering column can be removed

Modern cars do not utilize a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning an on the dashboard panel. This modern system works more efficiently and is less complicated than the older lock-cylinder method. Some older cars still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, you will require replacing it in order to start the vehicle. This is a job that should be handled by professionals.

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

You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver that keeps the signal unit and wiper in position. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may have three or four small screws with flat heads 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, one will have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. You can either employ a special tool remove it or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of an instrument to remove bolts.

If the key can't be inserted into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to release the pin of the lock cylinder.

A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin from the lock cylinder using a torch and then shave it to remove it from the assembly. They can re-key your ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on a new ignition.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical component which is used to house and lock the key in your car. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or deny starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It can be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder may need to be replaced to allow your vehicle to begin.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder can be seen in 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, you can try using it in the lock. You might be able make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40. However, this technique only works for so long.

If you have a new key, 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 flange of the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. Consult your car's manual or an expert to ensure that the cylinder is aligned correctly.

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

Some experts suggest that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the airbag in the steering column in order to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve removal and replacement of the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why it's best to leave the job to a mechanic with experience. They'll be able to take off the cover on your steering wheel and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also be able to verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and that it begins to work correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles due to advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're common on older cars. 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 relatively simple to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and repair ignition lock cylinder (i thought about this) the problem.

The ignition cylinder is the part of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.

Pins on ignition lock cylinders move upwards and downwards, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates a small amount of friction that helps keep the key in place but in time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers wear down and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will be unable to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. The key can be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are indications that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

It's not difficult to change your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are confident that you will follow the proper procedure for your car's specific model and make. You can complete the task quickly and accurately with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the work 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 permits it to rotate and start your car. It's mounted inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to authorize key turning. The ignition lock cylinder can wear out and eventually fail. This could cause issues with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

Some of the main signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting it or finding places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You may even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure.

As the cylinder ages it can be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to wear out and break or damage, preventing the ignition of your car from unlocking. In some instances, the ignition will still function if you jerk it around but this is a dangerous indicator that something is wrong.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you have does a new ignition switch require a new key multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module's red connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's the voltage. If you don't find any voltage or a switch, the module are likely to require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's usually best to hire an experienced mechanic complete the job. It's not easy due to the fact that you may need to remove other components, such as the steering column to reach the ignition cylinder. The replacement procedure may also require you to deactivate the airbag system, and then reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is usually handled by an authorized dealer. However, you could do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.