Ignition Cylinder Lock repair ignition lock cylinder

The ignition cylinder lock is responsible for allowing the key to turn and start the vehicle. It works through springs and chambers which may be damaged by environmental elements such as high or low temperatures.

If your ignition switch, key or both won't turn it could be an indication that the lock's cylinder needs to be replaced. It is recommended to leave this task to a professional locksmith for your automobile.

Remove the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock-cylinders, or Ignition Key Repair lock-cylinders, are mechanical devices that allow a key inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to begin the vehicle. They can fail or wear out in a variety of ways, such as keys being put in too hard or in the correct place. They may also break down and fail due to corrosion or other reasons. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning it's time to replace it. This is a simple job however, you'll need to take off the steering column cover and airbag cover. The process can be dangerous and difficult and the new cylinder may require special tools to be installed.

The ignition cylinder is in the middle of the column, where the steering wheel is attached. The clip and two screws at the bottom secure the cylinder in position. It's important to remove these before you begin working on the cylinder to ensure that it doesn't fall out and get lost.

After you have the screws removed, you can remove the plastic retainers off the bottom of the cover. There's a metal retainer that clips to the top of the cover to keep it in place. You may need to pry off the cover to take out the tabs that are lower.

The tabs can be ripped off by removing one of the retaining screws and bending the tab outward a bit. If the tab has been broken off completely you can replace it by using a piece of perforated strapping made of metal that is available at many hardware shops. You'll need U-clips to attach the new "tab" to the bottom. They can be bought from any automotive parts shop.

After the tabs made of plastic are removed and the airbag cover is pulled back, you will be able to access the ignition cylinder hole. Using the 1/16-inch allen wrench you can unlock the ignition lock and push it onto the pin that holds the cylinder. You can then pull out the cylinder. You may need to replace it with a special one for an anti-theft system.

Take off the Ignition Cylinder

Although many newer vehicles have been upgraded to push-to start systems, there are still a good number of cars in the market that require an ignition lock cylinder. This cylindrical, mechanical part is contained within the electrically powered component called the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and "reads" anti-theft coding within the car key to allow it to start.

It's time to contact an auto locksmith if the vehicle shows signs of a failing lock cylinder. A malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder can cause numerous issues, such as the absence of power from the engine, and difficulty in inserting or taking out the keys. Keys that are worn out can damage the wafer tumblers that allow the ignition cylinder to turn, leading to a jam that stops your vehicle from starting.

Depending on the make and model of your car, the ignition cover may be attached using a clip or screw. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw and then slide off the cover to expose the ignition lock cylinder. It's typically a steel cylinder that's about the size of one quarter.

To remove the cylinder you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the key slot, and drill straight into the cylinder until it is broken. You'll then be able to take the cylinder off and replace it with a new.

The exact process to remove the ignition cylinder varies by manufacturer, so it is necessary to read your service manual to find out what steps are required. After you have the cylinder removed, you can put in your new ignition switch.

Before you can do that you'll need to replace the steering column covers. You'll also need to tighten two screws on top of the lock assembly that keep it in place. Once you've done that, installing your new ignition cylinder is likely to be relatively simple.

Take off the Ignition Switch

The ignition cylinder lock and switch are two distinct parts of the electrical system in your car. Although they might appear similar, you can repair or replace them separately. The switch is electric and supplies power to your vehicle. The the cylinder is a mechanical tumbler which your key can slide into. Generally, you will be able to detect that the ignition cylinder is not working by its inability to turn your key.

If the cylinder fails and the pins inside the tumbler may wear out and make it difficult or impossible to insert or remove your key. If you find that your key is worn and won't turn, your best bet is to get the wafers in it replaced or smoothed by a professional locksmith.

Depending on your vehicle's make it could have a screw or bolt that secures the switch, and removing this will expose the cylinder of ignition. Make sure to consult the manual for your car before making the attempt at home. It could be hazardous and cause damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. The switch is also bundled with the airbag wiring. Making a mistake with it could cause serious injuries.

To remove the ignition coil, you'll need to loosen it using the help of a drill. You can also use pliers to separate it from the assembly, but this is often more difficult than using the screwdriver. Once the ignition cylinder is loose and you need to replace it with a brand new one from a local auto store.

After installing the new ignition cylinder you'll have to connect all the wires to the electrical connection in the steering column and then test it for proper function. It's best to disconnect the battery first, then remove the key from the ignition and start the engine. When the ignition is functioning it's time to reconnect the battery and test it again. If it's still not starting then you'll need to reset the immobilizer system by a dealership or service technician. This can be a complicated procedure, so it's best done by a certified professional.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car sends a signal to the vehicle's engine that it's time to start up. The key is inserted into a lock cylinder to initiate this process, however the pins and wafers within the cylinder could wear out over time. It could be difficult or impossible to start your car in the event that the cylinder is stuck.

If the key in your car won't turn, it's likely the ignition cylinder is worn down and needs replacing. Locksmiths can replace your ignition cylinder with a similar one to ensure that your key will continue to work with your current ignition switch.

To remove the old lock, press down on the release pin at the bottom of the assembly and slide the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder won't be able to slide out, try pressing in the release pin or pressing a small anti-rotation button that is located underneath the face of the cylinder. You can also push in on the cylinder by turning the key to the ACC position or use an accessory to push it out.

Once you've removed your old cylinder, replace it with the new one and turn on the vehicle to make sure that it's working. If it is, you can reconnect any trim pieces you took off to access the cylinder and perform an anti-theft relearn procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle.

The lock on the ignition cylinder might not be as important to the functionality of your vehicle as it used to be but there are situations where it is necessary to replace it. Consult a professional such as an automotive dealer or locksmith to ensure that the job is completed without damaging the steering column's plastic or other components of your vehicle. It's also crucial to ensure that the new ignition cylinder has been correctly encoded so that your vehicle can recognize it as a genuine key. This typically requires a professional or a dealer to perform this process of learning.