How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch that is the electrical component of the ignition system that sends the power to the engine of your vehicle the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.

Over time, "wafers" can break or become worn out. WD-40 and graphite may temporarily solve the problem but replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removal of the steering column

The majority of modern cars do not utilize a steering column lock cylinder. They use a key to start the car by pressing and turning a switch in the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it to allow the car to start. This is a task that should be handled by professionals.

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

You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. It holds the wiper/signal unit in the correct position. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle, you may find 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads, which hold the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew these and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. This will require the use of a specific tool or do it with an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be able to use the shear bolt removal kit.

If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder could be stuck. You can try inserting the key and then moving it to the ACC position to depress the lock cylinder pin, or call a locksmith for assistance.

A locksmith will be able to employ a shear cylinder removing tool or they can cut the pin off the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it down to remove it from the cylinder. They can re-key your ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on the purchase of a new ignition.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which is used to house and lock the key of your car. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft code and then fits your key to start or stop your car. Over time the cylinder will wear out. It could be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will have to be replaced in order for your car to start.

A damaged or worn-out cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or causing the ignition switch not moving into the ACC position or RUN or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it in the lock. You may be able to make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40. However, this method only works for a certain amount of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder if have an alternative key. Follow the instructions aboock cylinder and fix the problem.

The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component of the system which connects to the ignition switch in your car key ignition replacement near me and supplies power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is an electrical component that connects to your car's computer system to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on the cylinders of ignition locks move upwards and downwards, allowing your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates friction that keeps the key in place. However, over time, the wafer tumblers can wear out. When the tumblers have worn down, the key of your car will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil in most cars. However, the key could be stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the cylinder. These are indicators that you should replace your ignition lock cylinder as fast as possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is something that should be handled by a professional do-it-yourselfer when you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. You can complete the task quickly and efficiently by using a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient to you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that fits your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It is mounted inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft number to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock may wear out and eventually fail. This could cause issues with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

The most obvious indications that a car's lock cylinder is about go bad include difficulty starting your vehicle or finding places where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These are usually an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You might even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure.

As the cylinder ages it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and. This can cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear down, cause damage or even break, which will make it impossible for your car ignition replacement near me's ignition and key replacement to continue functioning. In certain instances the ignition may work if you jostle it around, but this is a dangerous indicator that something is wrong.

You can check the cylinder's ignition to determine if it's worn out or if the key is bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, you could probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's voltage. If you do not find 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 recommended to have an expert mechanic do the task. The process is complicated by the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you'll need to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This is usually handled by an agent. However, you could do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.