Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

The ignition lock in the cylinder is responsible for allowing the key to turn and start the car. It operates through a chamber and springs that may be damaged by environmental conditions such as high or low temperatures.

If your ignition switch or key doesn't turn, it could indicate that the cylinder for your lock is broken and needs to be replaced. This is a task best left to an experienced auto locksmith.

Take off the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock-cylinders are mechanical components that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to start the vehicle. They can fail or wear out in a variety of ways, like the key being placed too hard or not in the proper position. They may also fail due to corrosion or other reasons. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning, it's probably time to replace it. This is a simple job however, you'll need to take off the steering column cover and airbag cover. The process is dangerous and can be difficult. It could also require special tools for the replacement cylinder.

The ignition cylinder is located in the middle column, where the steering wheel is attached. It has two screws at the bottom and an attachment clip on the side to hold it to the column. Remove these screws before you begin working on the cylinder in order to prevent it from falling out and becoming lost ignition key.

After the screws have been removed, you can take off the plastic retainers at the bottom of the cover. There's also a retainer made of metal that clips onto the top of the cover to keep it in place. It is possible to remove the cover off the steering wheel to take off the tabs made of plastic that are lower.

The tabs can be ripped off by removing one of the retaining screws and bending the tab outward a bit. If the tab is damaged completely, it can be replaced by a piece of perforated metal strapping that's found at a majority of hardware stores. You'll need U-clips to attach the new "tab" at the bottom. These can be purchased at any auto parts shop.

After removing the tabs made of plastic and removing the airbag cover, you will be able to reach the ignition cylinder. You can open the ignition lock using the Allen wrench 1/16-inch and push the cylinder retaining bolt. You can then pull out the cylinder. You may have to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.

Take off the Ignition Cylinder

While many of the latest vehicles have switched to push-to-start systems, there are still a good number of cars on the road that require an ignition lock cylinder. This cylindrical, mechanical part is contained within the electrically powered part called the ignition switch. It locks the ignition and "reads" the anti-theft code inside the car key so that it can start.

It may be the right time to contact an auto locksmith if your car is showing signs of a broken lock cylinder. A damaged cylinder could cause various issues, including a lack of power from the engine and issues with inserting and taking out the key. Worn keys can damage wafer tumblers that let the ignition cylinder turn. This can cause a blockage and stops the vehicle from starting.

Based on the make and model of your car, the ignition cover may be attached using either a screw or clip. With a screwdriver, loosen the screw, then remove the cover to reveal the cylinder for ignition lock. This is typically a metal cylinder about the size of a quarter.

To remove the cylinder you must drill the pin that holds it. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the slot for the key and then drill straight into it until the cylinder is broken. Then, remove the cylinder and replace it.

You'll need to check your service manual to find out the exact steps to remove the ignition cylinder. After the cylinder is removed, you can install your new ignition switch.

Before you can do this you'll have to replace the steering column covers. Two screws will also be needed to secure the lock assembly in place. Once you've done this, installing your new ignition cylinder shouldn't prove to be too difficult.

Remove the Ignition Switch

The ignition switch and cylinder lock are two different parts of the electrical system in your car. Although they appear similar, the two can be repaired or replaced in a different manner from one another. The switch is electrical and supplies power to your vehicle. The cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key slide into. Generally, you will be able to tell the ignition cylinder is not working properly due to its inability to turn your key.

When the cylinder is damaged and the pins inside the tumbler can get worn out, making it difficult or impossible to insert or remove your key. If you notice that your key is damaged and isn't turning it, the best choice is to have the wafers inside of it replaced or smoothed by an experienced locksmith.

Based on the model of your car, there may be a screw or bolt that holds the switch in place and removing it will expose the cylinder that controls the ignition. It is essential to check the service manual of your vehicle prior to attempting this at home, since it can be hazardous and damage the steering column and plastic covers. The switch is also linked with the wiring for airbags. Making a mistake with it could cause serious injury.

To remove the ignition cylinder it is necessary to use drills to loosen it. You may also use pliers to disengage it from the rest of the assembly, but this is often more difficult than using a screwdriver. If the ignition cylinder becomes loose, you can replace it with a brand new one at your local auto shop.

You'll require all the wires connected to the electrical connection on the steering column to verify its operation. It's generally easier to disconnect the battery, then remove the ignition key and start the car. When the ignition is functioning then you can connect the battery and try it again. If your vehicle is still unable to turn on, you'll require that the immobilizer reset. This can be done by a dealer or automotive service technician. This can be a complex procedure, and is better left to a professional with certification.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car transmits an alert to the car's engine that it's time to start up. The key inserts into a lock cylinder to initiate this process, however the pins and wafers inside the cylinder can wear down over time. This could make it difficult to turn your car on, or even impossible if the cylinder becomes stuck.

If your key isn't turning on the ignition, it is likely that it needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can replace the cylinder with a new one, so the new key will work with your old ignition switch, and will be able to trigger the engine's start-up signal.

To remove the old lock, press down on the release pin at the base of your assembly. Then remove the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder won't slide out, try pushing in on the release pin a second time or using a screwdriver, you can press a small anti-rotation button beneath the cylinder's face. You can also push down on the cylinder by turning the key to the ACC position or use an accessory to force it out.

Install the new cylinder and test it by turning off the vehicle. If it's working, connect the trim pieces you removed to get to the cylinder. After that, you can begin the relearning process to connect the new keys.

Although the lock for the ignition cylinder isn't as crucial to the functioning of your car as it once was but there are still situations where you may require replacing it. It is essential to talk to an expert, like an automotive locksmith or dealership for cars, to ensure that the task is completed correctly without harm to the steering column or other components in your vehicle. It's also crucial to ensure that the new ignition cylinder is properly encoded so that your vehicle can recognize it as a genuine key. In the majority of instances, this will require a dealer or a professional to do the relearn.