How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car’s keys won’t turn it’s time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key slides into, in contrast to the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.
Over time over time, these “wafer” tumblers wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite can temporarily fix the issue, but replacing the tumblers is the only way to fix it.
Removal of the steering column
Modern cars do not have steering column locks. They make use of keys to start the car by pressing and turning an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more efficient than the older lock cylinder method. However, there are a few older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, you may require replacing it to be able to start the vehicle. This is not a job for the novice and should be left to professionals.
Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower columns of the steering using the help of a screwdriver. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column.
There is an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. This bolt holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in the correct position. Take this bolt off and set it away. Depending on your car’s year, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads that keep the plastic on top of the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.
To access the lock cylinder you will have to take off the wiper/signal unit. You can use a special tool to do this or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. Locksmiths will also be capable of using a shear bolt removal kit.
If the key cannot be put into the ignition switch, it’s a sign that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to depress the pin of the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can employ the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder. They can use a torch to cut the pin, then shave the pin to take it off. 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 cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical part that houses and locks the key to your vehicle. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and then fits your key to turn on or off your vehicle. Over time the cylinder will wear out. It could also be bent or broken. In this instance you’ll need to replace the cylinder to get your car started.
Signs of a damaged or worn cylinder are issues when turning your key or with the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder but this is only effective for a brief period of time.
Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure it’s properly placed into the steering column tube flange and aligned with keyway on the shroud. If you’re unsure about the proper alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle’s repair manual or an automotive expert.
Once the cylinder is installed, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you will have to perform the anti theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder into your key.
Some experts recommend that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is due to the fact that it is often necessary to disable the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely require removal and replacement of the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is a job that should be left to an experienced mechanic. They’ll be able to take off the cover for your steering wheel and install a new ignition locking cylinder into your vehicle. They’ll also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and that it is working correctly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles due to advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they’re common on older cars. If your ignition switch or key is stuck, or if you’re having trouble starting the vehicle it’s possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder may be the reason. It’s easy to fix your vehicle’s problem by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock.
The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system which slides into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest the engine. The ignition switch as well as the lost ignition key cylinder are separate components. The switch is an electrical device that connects with your car’s computer to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.
The pins on the cylinders of ignition locks move up and down, permitting your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a little friction that keeps the key in place but in time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will be unable to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.
A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key may be stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.
Replacing your ignition cylinder isn’t difficult, but it’s an undertaking that should be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only when you’re confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your car will help you get the job done quickly and correctly. If you’re not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the job for you at a convenient time and place.
Testing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical part that fits on your key to permit it to turn and start your vehicle. It is inserted into the ignition switch which locks 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 your vehicle’s power 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 places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has worn down and requires replacement. In some instances, you might even notice an alert light on your dashboard that signals an impending failure.
As the cylinder age, it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers to break down, damage or break and stop your car’s ignition from unlocking. The ignition could still function in some cases if you move it around. However, this could indicate that something is not right.
You can test your ignition cylinder and see whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you have a multimeter, you can probe the module’s red wire connection and the ignition coil’s battery terminal to determine if there’s any voltage. If you don’t find any, then the module and switch probably need to be replaced.
It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to Repair ignition Lock Cylinder the ignition cylinder, as it can cost anywhere between $200 to $300. It’s not easy because you may have to remove other components like the steering column, to access the ignition cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle the replacement process may also require disabling the airbag system, and you’ll have to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. It’s usually done by an agent. However, you can do it yourself if have the proper tools and the right instructions.