How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

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

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. WD-40 and graphite can temporarily solve the problem however, replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Removal of the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they use keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning an on the dash panel. This modern system functions better and is simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. However, there are older vehicles that utilize the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, it may be necessary to replace it to allow the car to start. This is a job that should be left to experts.

With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners holding the trim panels covering the upper and lower steering column. This will allow access to the area surrounding the steering column.

On the side of the column that is closest to the driver, you'll find an Allen head bolt that holds the wiper/signal assembly in place. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Depending on your car's year you might find 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic on top of the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To access the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This requires the use of a specially designed tool, or you could perform the task using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of a bolt removal kit.

If the key cannot be inserted into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to depress the pin of the lock cylinder.

A locksmith can employ a shear cylinder removing tool or cut the pin off the lock cylinder using an electric torch, and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They can re-key your ignition cylinder to ensure it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on a new ignition.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks the key in your vehicle. The cylinder is affixed to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to permit or block the start of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder wears out. It could be bent or broken. In this instance, you will need to replace the cylinder in order to start your car.

A damaged or worn-out cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or cause the ignition switch not moving into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning light to appear on the dashboard. If you have a spare, you can try using it in the lock. You may be able to use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder but this only works for a short period of period of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder if have an additional key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car ignition barrel replacement's manual or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is properly aligned.

Once the cylinder is installed and the key is turned to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully seated inside the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you will need to follow the anti-theft relearn process to program the new ignition cylinder to your key.

Some experts recommend that you hire a professional to replace your ignition cylinder. This is due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the airbag on the steering column in order in order to access the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why you should let a professional mechanic with experience. They'll be able remove the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and that it is working properly 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 technology, older vehicles still have them. If you have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is faulty, it could be an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the ignition lock repair near me lock cylinder.

The ignition 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 ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two distinct components. The switch is the electrical component that connects to your car ignition barrel replacement near me's computer and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a small amount of 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 won't be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

The first indication of trouble is usually a worn ignition coil in most cars. The key can be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it's something that should be completed by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. A complete repair ignition lock cylinder (more information) manual for your vehicle can help you get the job done quickly and correctly. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the job for you at a time and place.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to permit the key to turn. The ignition cylinder replacement near me lock cylinder may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

The most obvious indicators that your car's lock cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulties in starting it or locations where the key is caught when you turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. In certain instances you may notice an indicator light on your dashboard, which signals an imminent failure.

As the cylinder ages it is prone to being damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and. This can cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear out, cause damage or even break, which will make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue working. In certain instances, the ignition will still work if you jostle it in different directions but this is a dangerous indication that something is wrong.

You can check the cylinder of your ignition and determine if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. You can use a multimeter to determine whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't find any voltage, then the switch and module likely need replacing.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's usually best to hire a professional mechanic perform the task. It's not an easy task due to the fact that you might have remove other components like the steering column to get to the ignition cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can be accompanied by the need 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 an authorized dealer. However, you could do it yourself if have the proper tools and instructions.