How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key won't turn it's time to change 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 become worn out. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite may temporarily resolve the issue but replacement is the only solution that lasts.

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars don't have steering column locks. They make use of a key to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch in the dash panel. This modern system functions more efficiently and is less complicated than the older lock-cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this part fails, you may require replacing it in order to restart the vehicle. This is not an activity for the novice and is best left to an experienced professional.

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

You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. It holds the wiper/signal unit in the correct position. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Depending on your car's year, you may find 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic on top of the turn-signal switch in place. Take these screws off and put them aside.

To access the lock cylinder, you'll need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. 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 the key isn't able to be put into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to depress the pin on the lock cylinder.

Locksmiths can use a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder. They can make use of a torch to cut the pin, then shave the pin 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.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which houses and secures the key to your vehicle. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to allow you to start or stop your car. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It can also be bent or broken. In this case you'll need replace the cylinder in order to start your car.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder are issues with turning the key, or the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have a spare, you can try using it in the lock. You might be able make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40, however this method is only effective for so long.

If you have a new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder make sure it is properly installed in the steering column tube flange and is properly aligned with the keyway on the steering column shroud. Check the manual of your car or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is aligned correctly.

After the cylinder is installed then turn the ignition 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'll have to perform the anti-theft relearn process to program the new ignition cylinder to your key.

Some experts suggest replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column in order to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely require removal and replacement of the steering wheel and ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to take off the cover for your steering wheel and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also be able to make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed by your key and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

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

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into the ignition barrel replacement near me switch of your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two distinct components. The switch is the electrical component that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move upwards and downwards, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates friction, which keeps the key in place. However, over time, the wafer tumblers can wear out. If the tumblers get worn out and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will not be able slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

The first indication of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. The key may also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition cylinder lock repair lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as it is possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is an undertaking that should be done by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only if 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 manual for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair ignition lock cylinder (hanseattle.com) for you at a time and place that's convenient for you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key and permits it to rotate and start your vehicle. It's located inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow key turning. The ignition lock cylinder is prone to wear and can eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.

The most obvious indications that a car ignition replacement's lock cylinder is preparing to fail is difficulty starting your vehicle or finding positions where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder has damaged and needs replacement. In some cases you may notice a warning light on your dashboard that signals an imminent failure.

As the cylinder gets older it can be damaged through wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down, damage or break and stop the ignition of your car ignition switch repair from unlocking. The ignition could still function in some cases by moving it around. However this could indicate something is wrong.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see if it's worn out or if the key is bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, it is possible to probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to see if there is voltage. If you do not find any voltage, the switch and module likely need replacing.

It is recommended to hire an expert mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder, as it can cost anywhere between $200 to $300. It's not an easy task due to the fact that you may need remove other parts such as the steering column to get to the ignition cylinder. The process of replacing it could require you to turn off the airbag system, and then reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is usually handled by an authorized dealer. However, you could do it yourself if have the proper tools and instructions.