Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

The ignition cylinder lock permits the key to be turned, allowing the car ignition key replacement to begin. It operates through springs and chambers that may be damaged by environmental conditions like low or high temperatures.

If your ignition switch, key or both will not turn, it could indicate that the lock's cylinder needs to be replaced. This task should be left to an auto locksmith professional.

Take off the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock-cylinders, or ignition lock-cylinders, are mechanical devices that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to turn off a vehicle. They are prone to fail and wear out due to many reasons, for instance if the key is inserted too forcefully or placed in the wrong position. They can also break down and fail due to corrosion or other causes. It's time to replace your ignition cylinder if it's not working. You can do it yourself however it's a job which requires you to remove the steering column covers and the airbag cover. This is a risky process and can be difficult. It may also require specialized tools for the replacement cylinder.

The ignition cylinder can be located in the middle column where the steering wheel is attached. The clip and two screws at the bottom of the cylinder hold it in place. Remove these screws before you start working on the cylinder to stop it from falling off and getting lost.

Once the screws are removed, you can take the plastic retainers from the bottom of the cover. A metal retainer clips into the top cover to hold it in place. It is possible to pull off the cover to take out the lower tabs.

You can break them off by removing the screw that holds them and bending the tab outward. If the tab has been damaged completely you can replace it with a perforated piece of metal strapping that can be found in most hardware stores. You'll also require U-clips for the new bottom "tab," and these can be purchased from any auto ignition key replacement parts store.

After removing the tabs of plastic and pulling back the airbag cover, you will be able to reach the ignition cylinder. You can unlock the ignition lock using the 1/16-inch Allen wrench and pull the retaining bolt of the cylinder. Then, you'll be able to pull the cylinder away. It may be necessary to replace it with a specific one for an anti-theft system.

Remove the Ignition Cylinder

Despite the fact that a lot of vehicles are now equipped with push-to-start, there remain some vehicles on the market that require an ignition lock. This mechanical cylinder is housed in the electrically-powered part referred to as the "ignition switch" that is used to lock the ignition, and "reads the anti-theft codes inside the car key before allowing it start.

If your car is showing signs of a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder, it may be time to call an auto locksmith for assistance. A damaged cylinder could cause numerous issues, including lack of power to the engine, as well as issues with inserting and taking out the key. Worn keys can damage wafer tumblers, which allow the cylinder to turn. This causes a blockage and stops the vehicle from starting.

Based on the make and model, the ignition switch cover may be held on by clips or screws. With a screwdriver, loosen the screw, then slide the cover off to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. It is typically a steel cylinder about the size one quarter.

To take the cylinder off, you will need to drill the pin that holds it. Make use of a drill that's slightly larger than the key slot, and drill through the cylindrical until it breaks. You'll then be able to pull the cylinder out and replace it with a new.

You'll need to check your service manual for the specific steps to remove the ignition cylinder. Once you have the cylinder removed, you can install your new ignition switch.

Before you can do this you'll need to replace the covers on the steering column. Two screws will also be required to hold the lock assembly in place. After you've done that installing your new ignition cylinder shouldn't be too difficult.

Take out the Ignition Switch

The ignition cylinder and the switch are separate components of the electrical system inside your car. Although they appear similar, you can repair or replace them in a separate. The switch is the part that provides power to the vehicle while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into. Generally, you will be able to discern that the cylinder for ignition is not working by its inability to turn the key.

When the cylinder is damaged, the pins in the tumbler may wear out, making it difficult or impossible to insert or pull your key. If you notice that your key is worn and won't turn it, the best choice is to have the wafers inside it replaced or smoothed by an experienced locksmith.

The ignition cylinder is exposed by removal of the bolt or screw depending on the model of the vehicle you're using. Check the manual of your vehicle before you attempt this at home. It is a risk and result in damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. Furthermore, the switch is bundled with the airbags' wiring, and tampering with this could cause serious injuries.

To take the ignition cylinder out it is necessary to use drills to loosen it. You can also use pliers to remove it from the rest of the assembly however this is usually more difficult than using the screwdriver. When the ignition cylinder becomes loose it is possible to replace it with a brand new one from a local auto store.

After installing the new ignition cylinder, you'll need to connect all the wires to the electrical connection in the steering column, and then test it for proper function. It's usually easiest to disconnect the battery first, then disconnect the key from the ignition and start the engine. If the ignition is working, you can reconnect the battery and try it again. If it doesn't work, you'll need to have the immobilizer system reset by a dealership or service technician. This can be a complex procedure, and is better left to a certified professional.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car sends an indication to the engine that it's time to get started. The key inserts into a lock cylinder to trigger this process, but the wafers and pins inside the cylinder can wear down over time. This can make it difficult to turn on your car, or even impossible if your cylinder gets stuck.

If your key won't turn on the ignition, it is likely that it's due to needing to be replaced. A locksmith can replace your ignition cylinder with a similar one so that your key can continue to function with your existing ignition switch.

To remove the lock cylinder that was previously in use to remove it, push it into the release pin located at the bottom of the assembly, and lift the cylinder out of its housing. If the cylinder isn't sliding out, try pressing on the release pin again or using a screwdriver, you can press an anti-rotation small button underneath the cylinder's surface. You could also try pushing down on the cylinder with your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to try and push it out.

Install the new cylinder and test it by turning on the vehicle. If it's working, you can reconnect any trim pieces that you took off to access the cylinder. You can then perform an anti-theft relearn procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle.

The lock for the ignition cylinder may not be as important to the functionality of your vehicle as it used to be however there are situations where it is necessary to replace it. Contact a professional like an locksmith or dealer in the automotive industry to ensure that the task is done without causing damage to the steering column's or other parts of your vehicle. It's important to make sure that the new ignition is coded correctly to ensure that your car recognizes it as an authentic key. In most instances this, it will require a dealership or a professional to do the relearn.