How to repair ignition lock cylinder (Olderworkers blog entry) an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. In contrast to the switch that is the electrical part of the ignition system that supplies energy to the engine of your car, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.

Over time they "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite could temporarily fix the problem but replacement is the only permanent solution.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This newer system is much simpler and more efficient than the older lock cylinder method. However, there are older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, you will require replacing it in order to start the vehicle. This isn't a task for the beginner and is best left to an experienced professional.

Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper column of the steering with the help of a screwdriver. This will allow you access to the area around your steering column.

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

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. You can either make use of a specific tool to accomplish this, or ghetto it with a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. Locksmiths will also be capable of using the shear bolt removal kit.

If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. You can try inserting the key and then moving it to the ACC position to depress the pin on the lock cylinder, or call an expert locksmith for assistance.

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

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical device that houses and locks the key in your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" anti-theft code to permit or block the start of your vehicle. The cylinder can wear down over time. It can also be bent or damaged. If this occurs, the cylinder will require replacement in order for your car to start.

The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder can be seen in problems with turning your key, or the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You may be able to use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a limited period of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder if have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to make sure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

Once the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully seated inside the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you'll have to follow the anti-theft relearn process for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement is likely to involve removal and replacement of the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why it's best to leave the job to a mechanic with experience. They'll be able to take off the steering wheel cover and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and starts properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks are no longer as important in modern vehicles because of remote start and push-tostart systems older vehicles still have these cylinders. If your car's ignition switch seems to be stuck, or you're having trouble starting the vehicle, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be the cause. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and provides power to rest of the engine. Many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they are two distinct components. The switch is the electrical portion 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 upwards and downwards, which allows your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place but in time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder.

The first indication of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in most cars. The key could be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are signs that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as fast as possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it is something that should be completed by a professional do-it-yourselfer if you're able to follow the proper procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and accurately 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 for you at a time and location that is convenient for you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical device that fits your key in order to enable it to turn and start your car. It is placed inside the ignition switch that secures the lost ignition key, and reads the anti-theft number to authorize key turning. The ignition lock cylinder can wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

The most obvious indicators that a lock cylinder is preparing to be damaged is having trouble starting your vehicle or finding locations where the key is stuck when you attempt to turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has damaged and needs replacement. In some instances, you might even notice an indicator light on your dashboard, which signals the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder ages it can be damaged due to wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear down, damage or break, preventing the ignition of your car ignition key replacement from unlocking. The ignition could still function in some instances if you move it around. However this could be a sign that something is wrong.

You can test your ignition cylinder to determine if it's worn out or the key is bent or damaged. You can use a multimeter to determine whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage then the switch and module will likely need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs $200 to $300, and it's usually best to let an expert mechanic do the job. It's not easy due to the fact that you might have remove other components like the steering column, in order to reach the ignition cylinder. The replacement process may require you to disable the airbag system and reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is usually handled by an agent. However, you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and the right instructions.