How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

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

Over time they "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily fix the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removing the Steering Column

The majority of modern cars do not utilize a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they utilize keys that can be used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This newer system is much simpler and more effective than the older lock cylinder method. However, there are older cars that still use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, you will require replacing it to be able to start the vehicle. This is not an activity for the beginner and should be left to an experienced professional.

Using a screwdriver, remove 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 your steering column.

You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is 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 flat head screws 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'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto to do it using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be equipped with the shear bolt removal kit.

If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. You can call a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to depress the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off the lock cylinder using a torch and then shave it down to remove it from the cylinder. They can re-key the 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 part that houses and locks the key to your vehicle. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to allow you to start or stop your vehicle. Over time the cylinder will wear out. It could also break or become bent. In this situation you'll need to replace the cylinder in order to get your car running.

The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder include problems with turning the key, or with the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have an extra, use it in the lock. You may be able to finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, but this method only works for so long.

If you have a new key to replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps outlined above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly seated into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. If you're not sure about the correct alignment of the cylinder, consult your car's repair manual or an automotive expert.

Once the cylinder is installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click to 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 process to program the new ignition cylinder into your key.

Some experts suggest replacing the ignition cylinder, since it is typically necessary to disable the airbag inside the steering column to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely require removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. For these reasons, this is a job that should be left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able remove the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They will also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed by your key and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks are no longer as important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart systems older vehicles still have them. If your ignition switch or key seems to be stuck or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder could be the reason. It's simple to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car ignition barrel replacement near me and supplies power to the rest of the engine. While many people confuse the term "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they are two distinct components. The switch is an electrical component that connects to your car's computer to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to allow the key to slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates a little friction that helps keep the key in place but over time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder typically the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key may also begin to stick and become difficult to insert or remove from the cylinder. These are indications that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is an undertaking that should be handled by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder on your own, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair Ignition lock Cylinder for you at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is affixed to your key and allows it to rotate and start your car. It's mounted inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to allow key turning. The cylinder that locks the ignition is susceptible to wear and eventually fail, leading to issues powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.

The most obvious signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty in starting it, or places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These problems are usually a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You might even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure.

As the cylinder gets older it is likely to be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which can prevent your car's ignition from functioning. In certain instances the ignition may function if you jerk it around however this is a dangerous sign that something could be wrong.

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

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs between $200 and $300, and it's generally recommended to have an experienced mechanic complete the job. The process is complicated due to the fact that you may have to take other parts to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle the replacement process may 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's usually done by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the proper tools and instructions.