Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

The ignition lock in the cylinder is responsible for allowing the key to turn and start the car. It works through springs and chambers that could be damaged by environmental conditions like low or high temperatures.

If your ignition switch, key or both won't turn it could indicate that the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. This is a job best left to an auto locksmith professional.

Remove the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock-cylinders, or ignition lock-cylinders, are mechanical devices that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to turn off an automobile. They can be damaged and fail due to a number of reasons, including if the key is inserted too forcefully or placed in the wrong place. They may also fail due to corrosion and other reasons. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning it's time to replace it. You can do it yourself, but it's a job that requires removing the covers for the steering column and the airbag cover. The process is risky and challenging and the replacement cylinder might require special tools to be installed.

The ignition cylinder is found in the middle column where the steering wheel is mounted. It has two screws on the bottom and a clip on the side to secure it in place. It's essential to remove these screws before you begin working on the cylinder, so that it doesn't fall off and disappear.

Once the screws are removed, you can remove the plastic retainers off the bottom of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips onto the top of the cover to hold it in place. You may have to pull the cover off the steering wheel to remove the tabs on the lower part of the plastic.

You can break these off by removing the screw that holds them and bending the tab slightly outward. If the tab has broken off completely, it can be replaced with a piece of perforated metal strapping, which can be found in most hardware stores. You'll also need some U-clips to secure the new bottom "tab," and these can be sourced from any automotive parts store.

After removing the plastic tabs and pulling back the airbag cover, it is now possible to reach the ignition cylinder. Using the 1/16-inch allen wrench, you can open the ignition lock and push down the retaining pin for the cylinder. Then, you can remove the cylinder. You may need to replace it with a specially designed cylinder for an anti-theft system.

Remove the Ignition Cylinder

While many modern vehicles have transitioned to push-to-start systems, there are still a good number of cars on the road that require an ignition lock cylinder. This mechanical cylinder is housed in the electrically-powered part referred to as the "ignition switch", which locks the ignition and "reads' anti-theft codes within the car ignition replacement key before allowing it start.

It could be time to call an auto locksmith if your car shows signs of a failing lock cylinder. A faulty cylinder can cause several problems, including a lack of power from the engine, as well as issues with inserting and taking out the key. Worn keys can damage the wafer tumblers, which allow the ignition cylinder to rotate and create a blockage which prevents your car from getting started.

Depending on the make and model of your car, the ignition cover may be attached using either a screw or clip. With a screwdriver loosen the screw, then lift the cover to reveal the cylinder that locks the ignition. It's typically a steel cylinder, which is about the size of the size of a quarter.

To take the cylinder off, you'll need to drill out the pin that holds it in place. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the key slot, and drill directly into the cylindrical until it breaks. Then, you'll be able to pull the cylinder out and replace it with a replacement.

The procedure to remove the ignition cylinder is different for each manufacturer, so you'll need to review the service manual to determine what steps are required. After the cylinder is removed, you can then install your new ignition switch.

Before you can do that, you'll need to reinstall the covers for the steering column. You'll also need to fix two screws on top of the lock assembly that keep it in place. After that, installing your new ignition cylinder should be fairly simple.

Take off the Ignition Switch

The ignition cylinder lock and switch are two different parts of the electrical system in your car. Although they appear like they are, they are able to be repaired or replaced independently of one other. The switch is electrical and provides the power to your vehicle. The the cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key slide into. You can tell if the ignition cylinder has failed due to the inability to turn your key.

If the cylinder fails, the pins inside the tumbler can get worn out, making it difficult or impossible to insert or remove your key. If you find that your key is worn and won't turn, your best bet is to get the wafers in it replaced or smoothed by a professional locksmith.

The ignition cylinder is uncovered by removing the screw or bolt, depending on the make of the vehicle you're using. It is important to read the manual for your vehicle before making the attempt at home because it could be risky and damage the steering column and plastic covers. In addition the switch is linked with wiring for airbags, and tampering with this could cause serious injuries.

To take the ignition cylinder out you'll need drills to loosen it. It is also possible to use pliers but it can be more difficult. When the ignition cylinder becomes loose and you need to replace it with a brand new one from your local auto store.

After installing the new ignition cylinder you'll have to connect all the wires to the electrical connections in the steering column and then test it to ensure that it functions properly. It's generally easier to disconnect the battery first, then remove the ignition key and start the engine. The battery can be reconnected after the ignition has worked. If it still won't start, you'll need to have the immobilizer system reset by a dealer or automotive service technician. This is a lengthy procedure and should be done by a certified professional.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car sends an indication to the engine that it's time to start. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder to start the process, but the wafers and pins inside the cylinder may wear out over time. It could be difficult or impossible to start your car if the cylinder becomes stuck.

If your car's key won't turn, it's a sign that the cylinder for ignition is worn down and needs replacing. Locksmiths can replace your ignition cylinder with a similar one to ensure that your key will continue to function with your existing repair ignition lock cylinder switch.

To take out the lock cylinder that was previously in use, push in on the release pin at the bottom of the assembly and slide the cylinder out from its housing. If the cylinder doesn't slide out, try pushing on the release pin a second time or using a screwdriver to press an anti-rotation small button underneath the cylinder's face. You may also try pushing in on the cylinder using your key while turning it to the ACC or accessory position to see if you can force it out.

Once you've removed the old cylinder, replace it with the new one and then turn on the vehicle to make sure whether it's functioning. If it's not then you can connect any trim pieces you took off to access the cylinder. You can then apply an anti-theft relearning procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle.

Although the cylinder lock in the ignition isn't as essential to your car's functionality anymore as it was in the past, there are still many instances where you'll require replacing it. It's important to consult an expert like an automotive locksmith or a car ignition replacement dealer, to ensure that the task is done in a safe manner without causing harm to the steering column's or other components in your vehicle. It's important to make sure that the new ignition is properly coded so that your car recognizes it as a genuine key. In the majority of instances this, it will require a dealer or a professional to do the relearn.