How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key can slide into, and not the switch which is an electrical part of the ignition system.

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

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they utilize keys that are used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system is simpler and more effective than the older lock cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this component fails, you may require replacing it in order to restart the vehicle. This is not an activity for the novice and is best left to professionals.

Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper columns of the steering using the help of 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 holds the wiper/signal assembly in place. Remove this bolt and place it aside. Depending on your car's year you might see 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads that keep 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'll have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. You can either use a special tool to accomplish this, or ghetto it using an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit.

If the key isn't able to be placed into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can call an locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to release the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They can change the cylinder's key to match your existing keys and will save you the cost of buying a new ignition and key replacement cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to start or stop your vehicle. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It could also be bent or damaged. If this happens, the cylinder will require replacement in order for your vehicle to begin.

A worn or broken cylinder can cause problems turning the key, or cause the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning light to appear on the dashboard. If you have a spare, consider using it inside the lock. You may be able use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a limited time.

If you've got a new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps outlined above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder ensure it is installed within the flange on the steering column tube and is aligned correctly with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, consult your car's repair ignition lock cylinder (https://olderworkers.com.au/author/inlxd15sick6-gemmasmith-co-uk) manual or an expert.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will need to follow the anti-theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder into your key.

Some experts suggest having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, as it is often required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require removing the steering wheel and the ignition covers. This is why you should leave this job to a professional mechanic with experience. They'll be able to remove the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder inside your vehicle. They'll also be able to verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and begins to work properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles because of advances in remote start and push-to-start systems, they're common on older cars. If you're having difficulty getting your car started or the ignition switch is faulty, it could be an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is an electrical component that connects to the computer in your car to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Ignition lock cylinders have pins that move upwards and downwards to let your key ignition replacement slide into 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 over time, these tiny movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, the key of your car won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder is typically the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. The key can also become stuck and difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as possible.

It's not a big deal to replace your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are confident that you can follow the proper procedure for your car's specific model and make. A full repair manual for your car will assist you in getting the task done quickly and accurately. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and place that's convenient to you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key and allows it to rotate and start your vehicle. It's affixed to the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to permit the key ignition replacement to turn. The ignition lock cylinder is susceptible to wear and may eventually fail, leading to issues powering your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.

Some of the main indicators that your car's lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting it or finding areas where the key gets caught when you turn it. These problems are usually an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. In some instances you may even see a warning light on your dashboard that indicates the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder ages it can be damaged due to wear and wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear down, damage or break, preventing the ignition of your car from unlocking. In some cases the ignition may work if you move it into different positions but this is a dangerous indication that something is wrong.

You can check the cylinder's ignition to see whether it's worn-out or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's the voltage. If you don't find any, the switch and module likely need replacing.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and repair ignition Lock cylinder it's usually best to have a professional mechanic perform the task. The process is complicated due to the fact that you may have to take other parts to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require disabling the airbag system, and you'll need to reprogramme your key to work with the new cylinder. This process is usually done by a dealer, but you can learn how to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions.