How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key will not turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key can slide into, in contrast to the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.

Over time over time, these "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite can temporarily fix the problem however replacement is the only permanent solution.

Removing the steering column

The majority of modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning a switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system functions better and is much simpler than the old lock-cylinder method. Some older vehicles still employ the traditional lock cylinder. When this part fails, you may need to replace it in order to start the vehicle. This is a job that should be left to experts.

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

On the side of the column closest to the driver, you'll see an Allen head bolt that holds the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads that keep the plastic over the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. You can either employ a special tool accomplish this, or ghetto it using an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be capable of using a shear bolt removal kit.

If you're unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to depress the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can contact a locksmith for assistance.

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

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder is affixed to the key and "reads" anti-theft code to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It can also break or get bent. If this occurs, the cylinder may have to be replaced in order for your vehicle to start.

A damaged or worn-out cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have a spare, you can try using it inside the lock. You might be able finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, but this technique only works for so long.

If you have a new key you can replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the instructions above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, make sure it is properly placed within the flange on the steering column tube and is aligned correctly with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, consult your car's repair ignition lock cylinder manual or an automotive expert.

Once the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated in the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft device, you will need to follow the anti-theft relearn process to program the new ignition cylinder to your key.

Some experts recommend that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is because it's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely require taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why it's recommended to leave this job to a mechanic with experience. They'll be able to take off the steering wheel cover and install a new ignition locking cylinder in your car. They will also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key, and that it starts correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less essential in modern vehicles due to advances in push-to-start and remote start systems, they're widespread on older cars. If your car's ignition cylinder lock repair switch or key seems to be stuck, or if you're having trouble starting the vehicle it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder could be the reason. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and repair the problem.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion 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 separate components. The switch is an electronic component that connects with the computer in your car ignition barrel replacement to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Pins on ignition lock cylinders move up and down, allowing your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates friction, which keeps the key in position. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers will wear out. When the tumblers are worn down, the key will not be able to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

A damaged ignition cylinder is typically the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key may become stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are indications that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as possible.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it is an undertaking that should be completed by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and efficiently by using a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the job for you at a time and place.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is fitted to your key and allows it to rotate and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition is prone to wear and can eventually fail, causing issues powering your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.

Some of the most common indications that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulty in starting it, or places where the key is caught when you turn it. These issues are typically an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You may even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard to signal the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder age, it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear out, damage or break and prevent your car's ignition from unlocking. In some cases the ignition may work if you jostle it into different positions but this could be a indication that something is wrong.

You can test your ignition cylinder to see if 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 the voltage. If you don't see any or no voltage, then the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

Replacing the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's generally recommended to let an expert mechanic do the job. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you could need to remove other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. 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 can be done at the dealership, but you can learn how to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions.