How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car's keys will not turn or turn, it's time to replace the cylinder that controls the ignition. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into, as opposed to the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.
Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite can temporarily solve the issue however replacement is the only way to fix it permanently.
The steering column can be removed
Modern cars don't have steering column locks. They make use of keys to start the car by pressing and turning a switch in the dashboard panel. This newer system works much better and is much simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. However, there are a few older cars that still use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, it could be required to replace it in order to start the car. This is a job that should be left to experts.
Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering columns with the help of a screwdriver. This will allow you to access the area around the steering column.
There is an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. It keeps the signal unit and wiper in place. Remove this bolt and place it away. Based on the year of your car, you may have three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.
To access the lock cylinder you will need to take off the signal/wiper unit. This will require the use of a special tool or you can ghetto to do it using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith will also be able to use the shear bolt removal kit.
If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. You can either call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.
A locksmith will be able to make use of 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 will be able to change the cylinder's key to match your existing keys and save you the expense of purchasing a new ignition cylinder.
Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical part that houses and locks the key of your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. Over time, the cylinder can wear out. It could also be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will have to be replaced in order for your car to begin.
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 an extra key, put it in the lock. You might be able to smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40. However, this method is only effective for a limited time.
Replace the ignition cylinder if you have an alternative key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Check the manual of your car or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is properly aligned.
Once the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch is completely seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.
Some experts suggest that you hire a professional to replace your ignition cylinder. This is because it's usually necessary to deactivate the airbag in the steering column in order to access the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require removing the steering wheel and the ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a task best left to an experienced mechanic. They will be able remove the cover for your steering wheel and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder into your car. this link 'll also be able ensure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed by your key and that it will start correctly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles thanks to advances in remote start and push-to-start systems, they're widespread on older cars. If you have trouble starting your car or if the ignition switch is faulty it could be due to an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix the issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.
The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system that connects to the ignition switch in your car and provides power to rest the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two distinct components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to the computer in your car and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.
The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move upwards and downwards to let your key slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates friction that keeps the key in place. However, over time the wafer tumblers will wear out. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key won't be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.
A worn-out ignition cylinder is typically the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. The key may also become stuck and difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as quickly as possible.
It's not difficult to replace the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are certain that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. You can complete the job quickly and efficiently with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the job for you at a time and place.
Test the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is fitted to your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to authorize the key to turn. The ignition lock cylinder is susceptible to wear and may eventually fail, causing problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key.
Some of the most common indicators that your car's lock cylinder is about to fail are difficulty starting it or finding areas 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 may notice a warning light on your dashboard, which signals the possibility of a failure.
As the cylinder gets older it is likely to be damaged due to wear and wear and tear. This could cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear out, damage or even break, which could stop your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition may still work in some instances by moving it around. However this could indicate something is wrong.
You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's the voltage. If you don't see any voltage, then the module and switch probably need to be replaced.
It's best to hire an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, as it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you could require removing other components to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. The process of replacing it could require you to deactivate the airbag system and reprogramme your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. This can be done at a dealer however, you can also learn how to do it yourself using the proper tools and instructions.