How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key ignition replacement near me's keys will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch which is the electrical component of the ignition system that sends energy to the engine of your car the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.

Over time they "wafer" tumblers can wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily fix the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removing the steering column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they utilize a key that is used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This modern system is easier and more efficient than the old lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this part is damaged, you will need to replace it in order to restart the vehicle. This is not a job for the beginner and should be left to professionals.

Using a screwdriver, remove the fasteners holding the trim panels covering the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column.

On the side of the steering column closest to the driver, you'll find an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, it could have three or four small flat head screws that hold the plastic cover on the turn signal switch. Take these screws off and put them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This requires the use of a special tool or you can ghetto do it with an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of a bolt removal kit.

If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. Try inserting the key and then moving it to the ACC position to depress the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can contact a locksmith for help.

A locksmith can make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder with an electric torch, and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They can re-key the cylinder to match the keys you have and save you the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical part that is used to house and lock the key of your car. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to allow you to start or stop your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder wears out. It may also break or get bent. If this occurs, the cylinder may require replacement to allow your vehicle to begin.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder can be seen in problems when turning your key or with the ignition switch not advancing into the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash. 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 however, this is only for a brief period of period of time.

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

Once the cylinder is installed and the key is turned 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 has an anti-theft device, you will have to go through the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, as it is usually necessary to disable the airbag inside the steering column to access the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require the removal of the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is a task best left to an experienced mechanic. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder in your vehicle. They'll also be able to ensure the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and starts properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less essential in modern vehicles thanks to advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're common on older cars. If you're having difficulty getting your car started or the ignition switch is not working it could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch of your car ignition lock and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to the computer in your car ignition switch replacement and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.

Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move upwards and downwards to allow the key to slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place but over time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, the key of your car won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder.

The first indication of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. The key can also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it is a job that should be completed by a trained DIYer only if you're able to follow the correct procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and efficiently with a complete repair ignition lock cylinder manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself make one of our ASE certified mobile ignition lock repair services mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is fitted to your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. 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 is susceptible to wear and can eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key.

The main indications that a car's lock cylinder is about to be damaged is having trouble getting your car started or locating locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder is damaged and needs replacement. You might even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure.

As the cylinder age, it can become damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down, damage or break and stop the ignition of your car from working. In some cases the ignition may function if you jerk it in different directions however this is a warning sign that something could be wrong.

You can examine the cylinder in your ignition and see if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. If you have a multimeter, you can back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to see if there is any voltage. If you do not find any or no voltage, then the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

It's best to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder as it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. It can be complicated because you may have remove other parts such as the steering column, to get to the ignition cylinder. Depending on your vehicle the replacement process may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and then you'll need to reprogramme your key to work with the new cylinder. It's usually done by an agent. However, you could do it yourself if you have the proper tools and the right instructions.