How to repair ignition Lock cylinder an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key will not turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. Unlike the switch, which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that supplies energy to the engine of your car the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.

Over time, these "wafer" tumblers can wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite may temporarily solve the problem but replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Removal of the Steering Column

Most modern cars no longer utilize a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of a key to start the car by pressing and turning an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This modern system is simpler and more efficient than the older lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this part fails, it could be necessary to replace it to get the car ignition locked started. This is a task that should be handled by professionals.

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

On the side of the column closest to the driver, you will see an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle you might find three or four small screws with flat heads, which hold the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew them and put them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, one will have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. This requires the use of a specific tool or you can ghetto to do it using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. A locksmith can also use the bolt removal kit.

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

A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off the lock cylinder using an electric torch, and then shave it down to remove it from the cylinder. They can replace the cylinder's keys to match your existing keys and save you the expense of purchasing a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical device that is used to house and lock the key of your car. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft codes to allow or deny starting of your vehicle. Over time the cylinder wears out. It may also break or become bent. In this situation you'll need to replace the cylinder in order to get your car running.

The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder are issues with turning the key, or the ignition switch not advancing into the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have a spare, consider using it in the lock. You could try using some WD-40 or graphite to adjust the cylinder's settings, but this only works for a limited time.

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

After the cylinder has been installed and the key is turned to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you'll 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 because it's often necessary to disable the steering column airbag for access to the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement is likely to involve removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. Because of this, it is a task best left to a professional mechanic. They will be able remove the cover on your steering wheel and install a new ignition locking cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and starts correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles thanks to advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they are still prevalent on older vehicles. If you're having trouble getting your car started or the ignition switch is stuck it could be due to an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system which is inserted 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 are actually two separate components. The switch is an electronic component that connects with your car's computer to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Pins on ignition lock cylinders move up and down, permitting your key to move and rotate within 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 tiny movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, the key will not be able to slide into the cylinder, or turn it.

A damaged ignition cylinder is typically the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key could be stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are indications that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as soon as possible.

It's not a big deal to replace your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are confident that you can follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. You can complete the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the work for you at a convenient time and place.

Test the lost ignition key Cylinder

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

The main indicators that a lock cylinder is preparing to fail is difficulty starting your vehicle or finding places where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These are usually a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You might even notice a warning light flashing on your dashboard to signal an imminent failure.

As the cylinder gets older it may be damaged due to corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear out and break or damage, preventing your car's ignition from unlocking. In some instances the ignition may function if you jerk it around, but this could be a indication that something is wrong.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see whether it's worn-out or if the key is bent or damaged. You can use a multimeter to determine whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire 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.

It is recommended to hire an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, since it could cost between $200 and $300. It's not an easy task due to the fact that you may need to remove other components like the steering column to reach the ignition cylinder. Based on the vehicle you have the procedure for replacing it may also require you 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 an authorized dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself by using the appropriate tools and directions.