You'll Never Guess This Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder's Benefits

How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch which is the electrical part of the ignition system, which sends power to your vehicle's engine the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into.

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

Removal of the Steering Column

Most modern cars no longer utilize a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of keys to start the car by pressing and rotating an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This newer system works much better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. However, there are a few older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, you may need to replace it in order to restart the vehicle. This is a job that should be left to professionals.

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

There is an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver that keeps the signal unit and wiper in the correct position. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have three or four small flat head screws that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch. Unscrew them and put them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. You can either employ a special tool accomplish this, or ghetto it using a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. A locksmith can also use a bolt removal kit.

If the key can't be inserted into the ignition switch, it's likely 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 press the lock cylinder's pin.

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

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical part that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" anti-theft code to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. Over time, the cylinder can wear out. It could also be bent or broken. In this case you'll need replace the cylinder in order to get your car running.

A damaged or worn-out cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or the ignition switch will not move into the ACC position or RUN or a warning light to illuminate on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it inside the lock. You may be able use graphite or WD-40 to adjust the cylinder's settings, but this is only effective for a limited period of time.

If you have a brand new key to replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps outlined above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder ensure that it is seated within the flange on the steering column tube and is aligned correctly with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. If you're unsure about the proper alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an automotive expert.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition cylinder lock repair key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is because it is often necessary to disable the airbag on the steering column in order to get to the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement is likely to involve removal and replacement of the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is a job best left to an experienced mechanic. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and install a new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed by your key and that it will start correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less important in modern vehicles thanks to advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they are still common on older cars. If you have trouble starting your car or if the ignition switch is stuck, it could be a defective ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is the part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is the electrical component that connects to the computer in your car 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. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates friction that keeps the key in place. However, as time passes, the wafer tumblers can wear out. When the tumblers have 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 sign of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key could also begin to stick and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are all indications that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as it is possible.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it is something that should be handled by a trained DIYer only when you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair ignition Lock Cylinder manual for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself You can let one of our ASE-certified mobile ignition lock repair services mechanics perform the job for you at a time and location.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that fits your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow key turning. The ignition lock cylinder can wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

The most obvious signs that your car's lock-cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty in starting it, or places where the key is caught when you turn it. These problems are usually an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. You might even notice an alert light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an impending failure.

As the cylinder ages it is prone to being damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which can stop your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition could still function in certain situations when you move it around. However this could indicate that something is not right.

You can test your ignition cylinder to see whether it's worn out, or if the key is bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, you can back-probe the module's red wire connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's voltage. If you don't see any or no voltage, then the module and switch probably need to be replaced.

It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder as it could cost between $200 and $300. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you may need to remove other components to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require you to disable the airbag system, and you'll have to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This is usually handled by a dealer. However, you could do it yourself if have the right tools and instructions.