How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car's ignition key isn't turning, it's time to replace the cylinder that controls the ignition. In contrast to the switch that is the electrical portion of the ignition system that supplies the power to the engine of your vehicle, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into.
Over time, these "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily solve the problem, but replacing the tumblers is the only option.
Removal of the Steering Column
Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they use keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This newer system is much easier and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. However, there are a few older cars that still employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. When this part is damaged, you will need to replace it to be able to start the vehicle. This is a task that should be left to experts.
Using auto locksmith ignition replacement , remove the fasteners that hold the trim panels covering the lower and upper steering column. This will allow access to the area around the steering column.
On the side of the steering column that is closest to the driver, you'll notice an Allen head bolt that holds the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Take this bolt off and set it aside. Depending on your car's year, you may find 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic on top of the turn-signal switch in place. Unscrew these and set them aside.
To access the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. You can employ a special tool do this or ghetto it using the help of a piece of metal, for example a cold-chisel. Locksmiths can also utilize a 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 contact locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to release the pin of the lock cylinder.
Locksmiths 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 change the cylinder's key to match the keys you have and will save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder.
Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition Cylinder is the mechanical cylinder that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to permit or block the start of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It can also be bent or broken. In this case, you will need to replace the cylinder to get your car started.
The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder can be seen in problems with turning your key, or the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, try using it in the lock. You could try using some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, but this only works for a short period of period of time.
Replace the ignition cylinder if have an alternative key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder ensure that it is seated in the flange on the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Check the manual of your car or an expert to ensure that the cylinder is properly aligned.
After the cylinder is installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. Listen for a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully installed inside the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will have to follow the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.
Some experts suggest that you have a professional replace your ignition cylinder. This is due to the fact that it's often necessary to disable the steering column airbag to get to the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement is likely to involve taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is a job best left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover for the steering column and install a brand new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and begins to work 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 vehicles still have them. If you're having trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is faulty, it could be an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock.
The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to turn on the motor when you turn the ignition key.
The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, which allows your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates a little friction that helps keep the key in place, but over time, these small movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key won't be able to slide into or turn the cylinder.
A damaged ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key can become stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the ignition cylinder. These are indications that you should replace your ignition lock cylinder as quickly as possible.
It's not difficult to replace your ignition cylinder, however, you should only do it if you are confident that you can follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific model and make. A full repair manual for your vehicle can help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient to you.
Test the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that fits on your key in order to enable it to turn and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to permit key turning. The cylinder that locks the ignition can wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.
The most common indications that a car's lock cylinder is about go bad include difficulty starting your vehicle or finding places where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder has worn down and requires replacement. You might even notice an alert light flashing on your dashboard to signal an impending failure.
As the cylinder ages it may be damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which could prevent your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition might still work in some cases by moving it around. However, this could indicate something is not right.
You can examine the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. You can test with a multimeter if there's voltage between the red wire connector of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any, the switch and module probably need to be replaced.
It's best to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder, as it could cost between $200 and $300. It's not easy due to the fact that you may need to remove other components like the steering column, in order to access the ignition cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle the replacement process may also require you to disable the airbag system, and you'll have change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. It's usually done by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the proper tools and instructions.