You'll Never Guess This Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder's Tricks

How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch which is the electrical component of the ignition system that sends power to your vehicle's engine the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. WD-40 and graphite may temporarily fix the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they utilize keys that can be used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system is easier and more efficient than the older lock cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, you may need to replace it in order to restart the vehicle. This is not an activity for the novice and should be left to an experienced professional.

Utilizing a screwdriver, you can remove the screws that hold the trim panels covering the upper and lower steering column. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column.

You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. It holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in the correct position. Remove the bolt and set 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. Remove these screws and set them aside.

In order to get at the lock cylinder, one will need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. This will require the use of a special tool or you can ghetto to do it using an object of metal such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be able to use a shear bolt removal kit.

If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder could be stuck. You can either contact locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can use a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder, or they can use a torch to cut the pin and then shave it down to remove it. They can re-key your ignition cylinder to ensure 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 is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft codes to permit or block the start of your vehicle. The cylinder can wear down over time. It may be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will need to be replaced to allow your vehicle to start.

A damaged or worn-out 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 lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have a spare, consider using it in the lock. You may be able use graphite or WD-40 to adjust the cylinder's settings, however, this is only for a brief period of period of time.

If you have a new key, replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the instructions above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, make sure it is properly installed in the flange of the steering column tube, and that it is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to make sure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft device, you'll have to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder 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 usually necessary to deactivate the airbag in the steering column to get to the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require the removal of the steering wheel and ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover for the steering column and install a brand new ignition lock cylinder in your vehicle. They'll also be able to ensure the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and starts properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks have been less significant in modern vehicles because of remote start and push-tostart systems older vehicles still have these cylinders. If your car's ignition switch seems to be stuck or you're having trouble starting the vehicle the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could be to blame. Luckily, it's relatively easy to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and fix the problem.

The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component of the system that connects to the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to 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 electrical component that connects with the computer in your car to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, permitting your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place, but over time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. If the tumblers get worn out and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will not be able slide into the cylinder, or turn it.

A damaged ignition cylinder usually the first indication of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key could become stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as it is possible.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it's something that should be completed by a professional do-it-yourselfer if you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your car ignition switch replacement will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the work for you at a convenient time and location.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that is affixed to your key and allows it to rotate and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to permit key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock is susceptible to wear and may eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.

The main indicators that a lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting your car or locating places where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These problems are usually a sign that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard, signalling the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder age it is likely to be damaged due to wear and wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which could stop your car's ignition from working. The ignition might still work in some cases when you move it around. However it could be a sign that something is wrong.

You can examine the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you could probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to see if there is the voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage, the module and switch will likely require replacement.

It is best to engage a professional mechanic to repair ignition lock cylinder (blog post from kay-sloth-3.technetbloggers.de) the ignition key replacement cylinder, since it can cost between $200 and $300. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you might have to take other parts to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require you to disable the airbag system, and you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. It's usually done by a dealer. However, you could do it yourself if have the right tools and instructions.