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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's keys will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that sends power to your vehicle's engine The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into.

Over time, these "wafer" tumblers can wear out or break. Using WD-40 or graphite may temporarily solve the issue however replacement is the only solution that lasts.

Removal of the Steering Column

Most modern cars no longer utilize a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning an on the dash panel. This modern system works better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. Some older cars still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this part fails, you might require replacing it to be able to start the vehicle. This is not an activity for the beginner and should be left to professionals.

Utilizing a screwdriver, you can remove the screws that hold the trim panels that surround the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will allow you to access the area around your steering column.

You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver that holds the wiper/signal unit in position. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Depending on the year of your car, it could have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll need to take off the signal/wiper unit. You can make use of a specific tool to do this or ghetto it using the help of a piece of metal, for example a cold-chisel. Locksmiths can also utilize the bolt removal kit.

If the key isn't able to be put into the ignition switch, it's a sign that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call an locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to release the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith will be able to employ a shear cylinder removing tool or cut the pin from the lock cylinder with an electric torch, and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They can 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 cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical device that houses and secures the key in your car. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to turn on or off your car. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It may be bent or broken. In this instance, you will need to replace the cylinder to start your car.





A worn or broken cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or cause the ignition switch will 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 in the lock. You may be able to smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40, however this method 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, ensure that it is placed in the flange on the steering column tube, and that it is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Check the manual of your car or an expert to make sure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

Once the cylinder is installed, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that indicates the ignition switch is fully set in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will have to follow the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.

Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement is likely to involve removal and replacement of the ignition and steering wheel covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover for your steering wheel and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder inside your car. They'll also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and is working properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks have been less significant in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older vehicles still have these cylinders. If your car's ignition switch or key seems to be stuck or you're having trouble starting the vehicle, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be to blame. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.

car ignition key replacement is the part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. Many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they are two distinct components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.

The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to allow your key to slide into and rotate in the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates a small amount of friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these small movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down the key will be unable to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn ignition coil in most cars. However, the key could also begin to stick and become difficult to insert or remove from the cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder must be replaced 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 if you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. You can complete the task quickly and accurately with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself You can let one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the job for you at a time and location.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is affixed to your key and permits it to turn and start your car. It is inserted into the ignition switch that secures the ignition, and reads the anti-theft code to authorize key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock will wear out and eventually fail. This could cause issues with the vehicle's power supply or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

Some of the most common indications that your car's lock-cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty in starting it, or areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These are usually a sign that the cylinder must be replaced. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an impending failure.

As the cylinder age, it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers to wear out and break and stop your car's ignition from unlocking. The ignition might still work in some cases when you move it around. However, this could indicate that something is not right.

You can check the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. You can test with a multimeter if there's voltage between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't find any, the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs between $200 and $300 and it's generally recommended to let an expert mechanic do the job. The process is complicated due to the fact that you might require removing other components to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. Based on the vehicle you have the procedure for replacing it may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and then you'll need to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This can be done at a dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself by using the appropriate tools and directions.