How to Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key can slide into, in contrast to the switch that is an electrical part of the ignition system.

Over time, these "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite may temporarily resolve the issue, but replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not use steering column locks. They use keys to start the vehicle by pressing and rotating an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This newer system is much simpler and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. However, there are a few older vehicles that utilize the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, it may be necessary to replace it to get the car started. This is not an activity for the novice and is best left to professionals.

Using a screwdriver, remove the fasteners holding the trim panels that surround the upper and lower steering column. This will allow you access to the area around the steering column.

There is an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver that holds the wiper/signal unit in place. Take this bolt off and set it away. Based on the year of your car, you might have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew them and put them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or perform the task using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith can also use the bolt removal kit.

If the key can't be inserted into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to release the pin on the lock cylinder, or call a locksmith for assistance.

A locksmith can employ a shear tool to remove the lock cylinder, or they can make use of a torch to cut the pin, then shave the pin to remove it. They can change the cylinder's key to match your existing keys and will help you save the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical part that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder fits the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. Over time, the cylinder can wear out. It may also become bent or damaged. In this instance you'll need replace the cylinder in order to get your car running.

A worn or broken cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or causing the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning light to show up on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it inside the lock. You may be able use some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, but this only works for a brief period of time.

If you have a brand new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely placed into the steering column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

Once the cylinder is in, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will need to follow the anti-theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder to your key.

Some experts suggest having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, since it is typically required to deactivate the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. The replacement may require removing the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover on your steering wheel and install a new ignition locking cylinder into your vehicle. They will also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles because of advancements in push-to-start and remote start systems, they are still common on older cars. If your car's ignition switch or key seems to be stuck or you're having difficulty starting your car, a defective ignition lock cylinder could be the reason. It's simple to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is an electrical device that connects to your car's computer system to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place but over time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, the key of your car ignition lock will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder usually the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. The key can also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are indications that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as soon as possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it's a job that should be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only when you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your vehicle can help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient for you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

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

The most obvious signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting it or finding locations where the key gets caught when you turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. In some cases you may even see a warning light on your dashboard, which signals an imminent failure.

As the cylinder age, it may be damaged through wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear down and break and stop the ignition of your car from working. The ignition could still function in some cases if you move it around. However this could indicate something is not right.

You can examine the cylinder of your ignition and determine if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. You can test with a multimeter whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you are unable to detect any voltage or a switch, the module will most likely require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs between $200 and $300 and it's generally recommended to hire a professional mechanic perform the job. It's not an easy task due to the fact that you may need remove other components such as the steering column, in order to access 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 can do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.