How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's keys will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch that is the electrical portion of the ignition system, which sends the power to the engine of your vehicle, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into.

Over time, "wafers" can break or become worn out. The use of WD-40 or graphite can temporarily fix ignition switch the problem however replacement is the only permanent solution.

Removal of the steering column

The majority of modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they utilize keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This modern system functions more efficiently and is less complicated than the old lock-cylinder method. However, there are some older cars that still employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. When this part is damaged, you will need to replace it in order to start the vehicle. This isn't a task for the novice and should be left to a professional.

Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper column of the steering with the help of a screwdriver. This will allow you access to the area around your steering column.

On the side of the column that is closest to the driver, you will notice an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and place them aside.

In order to get at the lock cylinder, you will need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. This requires the use of a specific tool or you can ghetto do it with an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths are also able to use the shear bolt removal kit.

If the key isn't able to be inserted into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either contact a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to press the pin of the lock cylinder.

Locksmiths can use a shear tool to remove the lock cylinder. They can use a torch to cut the pin and then shave the pin down to take it off. They can re-key the ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on the purchase of a new ignition.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft code and then fits your key to turn on or off your car. The cylinder wears down over time. It can also be bent or broken. In this instance, you will need to replace the cylinder to start your car.

Signs of a damaged or worn cylinder can be seen in problems with turning your key, or with the ignition switch not advancing into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, you can try using it in the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a brief period of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an alternative key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder, make sure it is properly installed within the steering column tube flange, and that it is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. Check the manual of your car or an expert to confirm that the cylinder is properly aligned.

Once the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you'll be required to go through the anti-theft relearn process to programme the new ignition cylinder with your key.

Some experts suggest having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, as it is usually necessary to disable the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why you should leave the job to a professional mechanic with experience. They'll be able to remove the cover on the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able verify 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 have become less important in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older vehicles still have them. If you're having difficulty starting your car or the ignition switch is stuck, it could be an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and fix the issue.

The ignition key replacement cylinder is the part of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine. While many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they're two distinct components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to the computer in your car and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the ignition key.

The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move upwards and downwards to allow your key to slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place but over time, these small movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key could be stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the cylinder. These are indicators that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.

It's not a big deal to replace the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are certain that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. You can do the job quickly and efficiently by using a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own then let one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder for you at does a new ignition switch require a new key time and in a location that's convenient to you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is affixed to your key and allows it to rotate and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch, which locks the ignition cylinder lock repair and reads anti-theft coding to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock can wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

Some of the main indicators that your car's lock cylinder is about to fail are difficulty starting it or finding areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder has damaged and needs replacement. In some instances you may even see an alert light on your dashboard, which signals the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder age it can be damaged due to wear and wear and. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which could make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue functioning. The ignition may still work in some cases by moving it around. However it could indicate something is wrong.

You can examine the cylinder in your ignition and see whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. You can test with a multimeter whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire connector of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any or no voltage, then the switch and module are likely to require replacement.

Replacing the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's usually best to hire a professional mechanic perform the task. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you might require removing other components to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. Based on the vehicle you have the procedure for replacing it may also require disabling the airbag system, and then you'll need to reprogramme your key to work with the new cylinder. This is usually handled by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.