How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car’s ignition key will not turn and it’s time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. Unlike the switch that is the electrical part of the ignition system that sends power to your vehicle’s engine, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into.

Over time over time, these “wafer” tumblers can wear out or break. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite may temporarily solve the issue, but replacement is the only permanent solution.

Removing the steering column

Most modern cars no longer use a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have keys that are used to start the car by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This modern system works better and is much simpler than the old lock-cylinder method. Some older cars still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be necessary to replace it to start the car. This is not an activity for the beginner and should be left to professionals.

Using a screwdriver, remove the fasteners that hold the trim panels that cover the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will allow access to the area around the steering column.

On the side of the steering column closest to the driver, you will notice an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Remove the bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car you might find 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 place them aside.

To access the lock cylinder, you will need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. This will require the use of a specific tool or you can ghetto to do it using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also utilize the bolt removal kit.

If you can’t insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. Try inserting the key and moving it to the ACC position to release the pin on the lock cylinder, or call a locksmith for assistance.

A locksmith can employ a shear tool to remove the lock cylinder or they can make use of a torch to slit the pin and then shave it down to take it off. They can change the cylinder’s key to match your existing keys and will help you save the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car’s key. The cylinder is affixed to the key and “reads” the anti-theft codes to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It may also become bent or broken. In this instance you’ll need to replace the cylinder to start your car ignition switch repair.

A damaged or worn cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or causing the ignition switch will not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have an extra, use it in the lock. You may be able use some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, however, this is only for a limited period of time.

If you have a brand new key to replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure that it is properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Consult your car’s manual or an expert to confirm the cylinder is correctly aligned.

Once the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Listen for the click to confirm that the ignition switch has been completely seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition and key replacement cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend that you hire a professional to replace your ignition cylinder. This is because it’s usually necessary to deactivate the airbag on the steering column in order in order to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve taking off and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a task best left to a professional mechanic. They’ll be able to remove the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder in your car. They’ll also be able to ensure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders are no longer as important in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart systems, older cars still use these cylinders. If you’re having trouble starting your car or if the ignition switch is stuck, it could be an issue with your ignition cylinder. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to replace your vehicle’s ignition lock cylinder and repair the issue.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to turn on the motor when you turn the key.

Pins on ignition lock cylinders move up and down, which allows your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a little friction that keeps the key in place but in time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers have worn down, your car’s key will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder is 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 signs that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as fast as possible.

It’s not a big deal to replace the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are confident that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle’s specific model and make. A full repair manual for your fix car ignition will help you get the job done quickly and correctly. If you’re not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete 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 fits your key and allows it to rotate and start your vehicle. It’s located inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition barrel replacement near me and reads anti-theft coding to permit the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition will wear out and eventually fail. This could cause issues with your vehicle’s power or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

Some of the most common indications that your car’s lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting it or finding areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. You might even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder age it can be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear out, damage or break, preventing the ignition of your car from unlocking. The ignition could still function in certain situations when you move it around. However, this could be a sign that something is not right.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. 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 any voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage then the switch and module are likely to need to be replaced.

It is best to engage an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, as it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you may have to take other parts to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. The replacement process may require you to disable the airbag system and reprogramme your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. It’s usually done by an agent. However, you could do it yourself if have the proper tools and instructions.