How to repair ignition lock cylinder (information from Blogbright) 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 which your key slides into, in contrast to the switch, which is an electrical part of the ignition system.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily resolve the issue but replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. They use keys to start the car by pressing and rotating a switch in the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more effective than the older lock cylinder method. However, there are some older cars that still employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, you may need to replace it to be able to start the vehicle. This is not an activity for the beginner and is best left to professionals.

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

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

In order to get at the lock cylinder, you'll need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. This requires the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto to do it using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. A locksmith will also be capable of using a shear bolt removal kit.

If the key isn't able to be placed into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call an locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith will be able to make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin from the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it to remove it from the cylinder. They will be able to change the cylinder's key to match the keys you have and will help you save the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical device that is used to house and lock the key to your vehicle. The cylinder fits the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to permit or block the start of your vehicle. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It can also break or become bent. In this case, you will need to replace the cylinder in order to get your car started.

A worn or broken cylinder can cause problems turning the key, or the ignition key replacement switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning light to show up on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, put it in the lock. You may be able to finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, but this method is only effective for a limited time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder ensure that it is seated in the flange of the steering column tube, and that it is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Check the manual of your car or an expert to confirm that the cylinder is aligned correctly.

Once the cylinder is installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft device, you'll have to perform the anti theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder into your key.

Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, since it is often required to shut off the airbag in the steering column to access the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve taking off and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why you should let a professional mechanic with experience. They'll be able to remove the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They'll also be able to 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 because of advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they are still prevalent on older vehicles. If you have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is stuck, it could be an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is a mechanical part of the system that connects to the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to rest the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is an electrical component that connects with your car's computer to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, permitting your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates friction, which keeps the key in place. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers may wear out. If the tumblers wear down, your car ignition switch replacement's key won't be able slide into or rotate the cylinder.

A damaged ignition lock repair cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key may also begin to stick and become difficult to remove or insert from the ignition cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder must be replaced as soon as is possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is something that should be done by a professional do-it-yourselfer when you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and accurately with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the work for you at a time and place.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that is affixed to your key and allows it to rotate and start your car. It is placed inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft codes to authorize key turning. The ignition lock cylinder can wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with the vehicle's power supply or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

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

As the cylinder gets older it can be damaged through wear and wear and. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to wear out, damage or break and prevent your car's ignition from unlocking. In some instances the ignition may function if you jerk it in different directions however this is a dangerous indication that something is wrong.

You can check the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to see if there is voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage, the module and switch will likely require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs $200 to $300, and it's recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the task. It can be complicated due to the fact that you may need remove other parts such as the steering column to access the ignition cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require disabling the airbag system, and you'll have to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This process is usually done by the dealership however, you can also learn how to do it yourself using the appropriate tools and directions.