How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

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

Over time they “wafer” tumblers will wear out or break. Using WD-40 or graphite may temporarily fix the problem however replacement is the only solution that lasts.

The steering column can be removed

Modern cars do not use steering column locks. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning an on the dashboard panel. This newer system works much more efficiently and is less complicated than the old lock-cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this part fails, you may need to replace it in order to restart the vehicle. This is not an activity for the novice and is best left to a professional.

With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners that hold the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering column. This will allow you access to 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 holds the wiper/signal unit in position. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, it could have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that hold the plastic cover on the turn signal switch. Unscrew them and put them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder you will need to take off the signal/wiper unit. This requires the use of a specific tool or do it with the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith can also use a bolt removal kit.

If the key can’t be inserted into the ignition switch, it’s likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either contact a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to depress the pin on the lock cylinder.

A locksmith can use the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder, or they can make use of a torch to slit the pin, then shave it down to take it off. They can also 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 part that is used to house and lock the key in your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and “reads” the anti-theft codes to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It could be bent or broken. In this instance, you will need to replace the cylinder to start your car.

A damaged or worn-out 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 illuminate on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder but this is only effective for a brief period of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have a replacement key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure it’s securely seated into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. If you’re unsure about the proper alignment of the cylinder, consult your car’s repair manual or an expert.

Once the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. Listen for the click to confirm that the ignition switch is completely seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will have to follow the anti-theft relearn process for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts suggest having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, since it is typically necessary to disable the airbag inside the steering column in order to access the cylinder. The replacement process will likely require the removal of the steering wheel and the ignition covers. This is why you should let a mechanic with experience. They’ll be able remove the cover on the steering column and install a brand new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They’ll also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it starts correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less important in modern vehicles due to advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they are still prevalent on older vehicles. If your ignition switch or key is stuck or you’re having difficulty starting your car it’s possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder may be the cause. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to replace the ignition lock cylinder and fix the issue.

The lost ignition key cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch of your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The auto ignition key replacement switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is an electrical device that connects to your car’s computer system to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move upwards and downwards to allow the key to slide into and rotate in the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a little friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these tiny 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 rotate the cylinder.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil in the majority of cars. The key may be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are indications that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as possible.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn’t difficult, but it is something that should be done by a trained DIYer only when you’re confident enough to follow the right procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and accurately with a complete repair ignition lock cylinder (navigate to this web-site) guide for your vehicle. If you’re not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and in a location that’s convenient to you.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the auto ignition key replacement lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key to allow it to turn and start your vehicle. It is placed inside the ignition switch that secures the ignition, and reads the anti-theft number to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock can wear out and eventually fail. This could cause issues with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

The most obvious indications that your car’s lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty in starting it, or places where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These are usually an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. In certain instances, you might even notice an indicator light on your dashboard that signals the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder age, it may be damaged through wear and wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, cause damage or even break, which will make it impossible for your car’s ignition to continue functioning. The ignition may still work in certain situations if you move it around. However, this could be a sign that something is not right.

You can examine your ignition cylinder and see whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. If you have a multimeter, it is possible to probe the module’s red wire connection and the ignition coil’s battery terminal to see if there is voltage. If you don’t find any or no voltage, then the switch and module are likely to require replacement.

It is best to engage a professional mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, since it can cost between $200 to $300. The process is complicated by the fact that you may require removing other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle the procedure for replacing it may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you’ll need to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This can be done at the dealership however, you can learn how to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions.