How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's ignition key won't turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into, and not the switch that is an electrical component of the ignition system.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite could temporarily fix the problem but replacement is the only way to fix it permanently.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars don't have steering column locks. They use a key to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch in the dash panel. This newer method is easier and more efficient than the old lock cylinder method. However, there are some older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. When this part is damaged, you will need to replace it in order to restart the vehicle. This is a task that should be left to professionals.

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

There is an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. It keeps the signal unit and wiper in position. Remove this bolt and place it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle you might find three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic over 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. This requires the use of a specific tool or do it with the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths are also capable of using a shear bolt removal kit.

If the key can't be inserted into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can try inserting the key and 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 the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder, or they can make use of a torch to cut the pin and then shave the pin to remove it. They can also 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.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical cylinder that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder fits the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or deny starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It could also be bent or damaged. In this case you'll need replace the cylinder to start your car.

The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder can be seen in problems with turning the key, or the ignition switch not advancing into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You may be able to finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40. However, this method only works for so long.

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

After the cylinder is installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will need to follow the anti theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder into your key.

Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process will likely require removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is a task best left to a skilled mechanic. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and install a new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also be able ensure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key, and that it will start correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders are no longer as important in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older cars still make use of these cylinders. If you're having difficulty starting your car ignition replacement near me or if the ignition switch is stuck it could be due to an issue with your ignition cylinder. Luckily, it's relatively easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder, and then fix the problem.

The ignition cylinder is the part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch of your car and supplies power to the rest of 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 to your car's computer system to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move upwards and downwards to let your key slide into and rotate within the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates friction that keeps the key in place. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers will wear out. When the tumblers are worn down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.

A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key may be stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the ignition cylinder. These are all signs that the mobile ignition lock repair services lock cylinder must be replaced as soon as possible.

Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it's a job that should be done by a professional do-it-yourselfer if you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and correctly by using a complete repair ignition lock cylinder - visit my web site, manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile ignition lock repair services mechanics do the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient for you.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder lock repair 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 vehicle. It is mounted inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition, and reads the anti-theft number to allow the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and eventually fail, leading to problems with the power supply to your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.

The most common signs that a car ignition key replacement's lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting your vehicle or finding positions where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You might even notice a warning light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure.

As the cylinder ages, it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This could cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear out, damage or even break, which can prevent your car's ignition from working. The ignition might still work in some instances when you move it around. However this could indicate that something is not right.

You can test the cylinder in your ignition and see if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module's red connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's any voltage. If you don't find any, the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder, since it could cost between $200 and $300. The process is complicated due to the fact that you may need to remove other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. Depending on your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require you to disable the airbag system, and then you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This is usually handled by an agent. However, you could do it yourself if have the right tools and the right instructions.