Lucile Ellzey asked 2 months ago
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 mechanical tumbler which your key slides into, as opposed to the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.
Over time, these “wafer” tumblers can wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily solve the problem however, replacing the tumblers is the only way to fix it.
Removal of the steering column
Most modern cars no longer use a steering column lock cylinder. They use a key to start the car by pressing and rotating an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more effective than the traditional lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, it might be required to replace it in order to allow the car to start. This is a job that should be left to professionals.
With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners that hold the trim panels covering the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This allows you to access the area around your steering column.
You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. It holds the wiper/signal unit in place. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car ignition barrel replacement near me, you may find 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads, which hold the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew them and put them aside.
To access the lock cylinder, you’ll need to take off the signal/wiper unit. You can make use of a specific tool to remove it or ghetto it using the help of a piece of metal, for example a cold-chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of the bolt removal kit.
If the key isn’t able to be placed into the ignition switch, it’s likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can call an locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to depress the pin of the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin from the lock cylinder using a torch and then shave it to take it off the lock. They can also re-key your ignition cylinder to ensure it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on an entirely new ignition.
Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks your car’s key. The cylinder is affixed to the key and “reads” the anti-theft code to permit or block the start of your vehicle. As time passes, the cylinder can wear out. It could be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will need to be replaced to allow your car to begin.
A worn or broken cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or cause the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning lamp to illuminate on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it in the lock. You might be able to smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40. However, this technique only works for a limited time.
If you’ve got a new key, replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps outlined above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure it is installed within the steering column tube flange and is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Consult your car’s manual or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.
After the cylinder is installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully installed in the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you’ll have to go through the anti-theft relearn process for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.
Some experts recommend replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to deactivate the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process will likely involve removal and replacement of the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why you should leave this job to a professional mechanic with experience. They’ll be able remove the cover for the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They’ll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and starts properly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles due to advancements in remote start and push-to-start systems, they’re prevalent on older vehicles. If your car’s ignition switch or key seems to be stuck, or if you’re having trouble starting the vehicle the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could be the reason. It’s relatively simple to replace your vehicle’s ignition lock cylinder and fix the problem.
The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is an electrical component that connects with your car’s computer to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key.
The pins on cylinders for ignition key replacement cost 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. When the tumblers wear down, the key will be unable to slide into the cylinder, or turn it.
The first indication of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in most cars. The key can also get stuck and repair ignition lock Cylinder be difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are indications that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as soon as possible.
It’s not difficult to replace your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are certain that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle’s specific model and make. A full Repair ignition lock cylinder manual for your vehicle will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the job for you at a time and place.
Testing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It is inserted into the ignition switch, which secures the ignition, and reads the anti-theft code to authorize the key to turn. The ignition lock cylinder may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.
The most obvious indications that your car’s lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulties in starting it or areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an impending failure.
As the cylinder ages it is prone to being damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers to wear down and break or damage, preventing the ignition of your car from working. The ignition may still work in certain situations when you move it around. However this could be a sign that something is not right.
You can test your ignition cylinder to determine if it’s worn out or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module’s red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there’s voltage. If you don’t find any, then the module and switch probably need to be replaced.
It is best to engage an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder as it can cost between $200 and $300. 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. Depending on your vehicle the procedure for replacing it may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you’ll have to reprogramme 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.