How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car’s keys won’t turn and it’s time to replace the cylinder that controls the ignition. In contrast to the switch that is the electrical part of the ignition system that supplies the power to the engine of your vehicle, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.
Over time over time, these “wafer” tumblers wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily resolve the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only option.
Removal of the Steering Column
Modern cars do not use steering column locks. They use keys to start the vehicle by pressing and rotating a switch in the dashboard panel. This newer system works much better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. However, there are some older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it in order to allow the car to start. This is a task that should be left to experts.
Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the trim panels that cover the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will allow you to access the area around your steering column.
On the side of the steering column that is closest to the driver, you will find an Allen head bolt that holds the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Remove the bolt and set it away. Based on the year of your car, you might have three or four small flat head screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew them and put them aside.
To get to the lock cylinder, one will need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. You can employ a special tool remove it or ghetto it with the help of a piece of metal, for example a cold-chisel. Locksmiths are also capable of using the shear bolt removal kit.
If the key cannot be put into the ignition switch, it’s likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either contact a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to release the pin of the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin off of the lock cylinder using an electric torch, and then shave it to remove it from the assembly. They can also re-key your ignition cylinder so that 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 cylindrical mechanical part that houses and locks your car’s key. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and then fits your key to allow you to start or stop your vehicle. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It could also be bent or damaged. In this situation you’ll need to replace the cylinder to start your car.
A damaged or worn cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning light to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, consider using it in the lock. You may be able use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a short period of period of time.
Replace the ignition cylinder if have an alternative key ignition replacement. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder ensure it is placed within the flange of the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, consult your car’s repair manual or an expert.
Once the cylinder is in then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch has been completely seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will have to follow the anti-theft relearn process for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.
Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace your ignition cylinder. This is due to the fact that it’s usually necessary to deactivate the airbag in the steering column for access to the cylinder. The replacement may require the removal of the steering wheel and the ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to a skilled mechanic. They’ll be able remove the cover for the steering column and install a brand new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They’ll also be able to verify 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 have become less important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart systems older cars still use these cylinders. If you’re having trouble getting your car started or the ignition switch is stuck it could be due to an issue with the ignition cylinder. It’s simple to fix your vehicle’s problem by replacing the ignition lock cylinder.
The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two distinct components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to turn on the motor when you turn the ignition key.
The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move upwards and downwards to allow the key to slide into and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a small amount of friction that helps keep the key in place but over time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. When the tumblers have worn down, your car ignition repair‘s key won’t be able slide into or rotate the cylinder.
A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key could be stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the ignition cylinder. These are all indications that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as possible.
It’s easy 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 model and make. You can complete the task quickly and accurately with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you’re not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the work for you at a time and place.
Test the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that fits your key and permits it to rotate 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 that locks the ignition is prone to wear and can eventually fail, causing problems with the power supply to your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.
The most obvious indicators that your car’s lock cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty starting it or finding areas where the key is caught when you turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder has worn down and requires replacement. You might even notice a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an impending failure.
As the cylinder age it can be damaged through wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which can prevent your car ignition lock‘s ignition from working. The ignition may still work in some instances if you move it around. However this could indicate that something is not right.
You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see if it’s worn out or if the key is bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, you can probe the module’s red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to see if there is voltage. If you don’t see any voltage, then the switch and module likely need replacing.
The replacement of the lost ignition key cylinder usually costs $200 to $300, and it’s recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the job. The process is complicated due to the fact that you might need to remove other components to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. The replacement procedure may also require you to turn off the airbag system and reprogram your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is typically done at the dealership, but you can learn how to do it yourself by using the proper tools and instructions.