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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key slides into, and not the switch, which is an electrical part of the ignition system.

Over G28 , "wafers" can break or become worn out. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite could temporarily solve the issue, but replacement is the only solution that lasts.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars don't have steering column locks. They make use of keys to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system is simpler and more effective than the older lock cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the traditional 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.





Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower columns of the steering using a screwdriver. This will give you access to the area around the 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 place. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may have 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic cover on the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To access the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. This will require the use of a special tool or perform the task using an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also utilize the bolt removal kit.

If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder could be stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to release the lock cylinder pin or you can call a locksmith for help.

A locksmith will be able to use a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin from the lock cylinder using an electric torch, and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They can re-key the cylinder to match your existing keys and save you the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft code and fits your key to allow you to start or stop your car. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It may also become bent or broken. In this situation, you will need to replace the cylinder to start your car.

A damaged or worn cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or cause the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position or RUN or a warning light to appear on the dashboard. If you have an extra, put it inside the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to fine-tune the cylinder, however, this is only for a short period of period of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an alternative key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly placed into the steering column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Consult your car's manual or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully installed inside the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.

Some experts recommend that you have a professional replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is due to the fact that it's often necessary to disable the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why it's best to let an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to take off the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder in your vehicle. They'll also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed by your key and that it starts correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders have become less important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older cars still use these cylinders. If your ignition switch or key is stuck or you're having trouble starting the vehicle it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder could be the cause. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is a mechanical part of the system which slides into the ignition switch in your car and supplies power to the rest the engine. While many people confuse the term "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they're two distinct components. The switch is an electrical component that connects with the computer in your car 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, permitting your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates a tiny 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 turn it.

A damaged ignition cylinder typically the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. The key can also become stuck and difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are all signs that the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as it is possible.

It's easy to change your ignition cylinder, however, you should only do it if are certain that you will follow the proper procedure for your car's specific model and make. A full repair manual for your car will assist you in getting the job done efficiently and correctly. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the work for you at a time and place.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical device that fits on your key to permit it to turn and start your car. It is placed inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft codes to allow key turning. The ignition lock cylinder will wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to remove and insert keys.

Some of the main indicators that your car's lock cylinder is about to fail are difficulty in starting it, or areas where the key gets caught when you turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder is damaged and needs replacement. You may even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure.

As the cylinder ages, it can become damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers to break down and break and stop the ignition of your car from unlocking. The ignition might still work in some cases if you move it around. However this could indicate that something is not right.

You can check the cylinder's ignition to see whether it's worn-out or if the key has been bent or damaged. 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 do not find any voltage or a switch, the module will most likely need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs $200 to $300, and it's recommended to let a professional mechanic perform the task. It can be complicated due to the fact that you might have remove other components like the steering column to access the ignition cylinder. The replacement process may require you to turn off the airbag system and reprogram your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. It's usually done by an authorized dealer. However, you can do it yourself if have the right tools and instructions.