11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Do With Your Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair
Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair
The ignition lock in the cylinder is responsible for allowing the key to turn and start the vehicle. It operates through a chamber and springs that could be damaged by environmental conditions such as high or low temperatures.
If your ignition switch, key or both isn't turning, it could indicate that the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. This is a job best left to a professional auto locksmith.
Take off the Steering Column Covers
Ignition lock cylinders can be described as mechanical parts that allow a key to be placed into the ignition switch and then turned to start a car. They can fail and wear out due to a number of reasons, such as if the key is inserted too forcefully or in the wrong position. They can also degrade and fail due to corrosion or other reasons. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning it's time to replace it. This is a straightforward task, but you'll need to remove the steering column cover and airbag cover. The process can be dangerous and complicated and the new cylinder may require special tools to be installed.
The ignition cylinder is in the middle of the column to which the steering wheel is attached. The clip and two screws at the bottom secure the cylinder in the right position. Remove these screws prior to working on the cylinder to prevent it from falling out and getting lost.
Once you have the screws removed, you can remove the plastic retainers off the lower part of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips onto the top of the cover to keep it in place. You may need to pry the cover off the steering wheel in order to take off the lower plastic tabs.
You can break them off by removing the screw that holds them and bending the tab outward. If the tab has been broken completely, you can replace it with a piece perforated metal strapping available at most hardware shops. You'll also need some U-clips for the new bottom "tab," and these can be bought from any automotive parts store.
After removing the tabs of plastic and pulling back the airbag cover, it is now possible to access the ignition cylinder. Utilizing the 1/16-inch allen screw, you can open the ignition lock and push on the retaining pin for the cylinder. Then, you can remove the cylinder. You may have to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.
Remove the Ignition Cylinder
Although many newer vehicles have been upgraded to push-to start systems, there are still many cars on the road that need an ignition lock cylinder. This cylinder, which is mechanical, is contained in the electrically powered component referred to as the "ignition switch", which locks the ignition and "reads the anti-theft code within the car key before allowing it start.
car ignition switch repair to contact an auto locksmith if your vehicle has signs of a damaged lock cylinder. A damaged cylinder could cause several problems, including a absence of power from the engine as well as problems with inserting and removing the key. Keys that are damaged by wear can affect the wafer tumblers that allow for the ignition cylinder to rotate and create a blockage that prevents your vehicle from getting started.
Depending on the make and model, the ignition switch cover can be secured with either a clip or screw. With a screwdriver loosen the screw, and then remove the cover to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. It is typically a metal cylinder about the size a quarter.
To take the cylinder off, you must drill the pin that holds it. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the slot that holds the key and then drill through it until the cylinder breaks free. Then, remove the cylinder and then replace it.
You'll need to consult your service manual to find out the specific steps to remove the ignition cylinder. After the cylinder is removed, you can install your new ignition switch.
Before you can do this, you'll need to reinstall the steering column covers. Also, you'll need to tighten two screws on top of the lock assembly that keep it in place. Once you've done that, the installation of your new ignition cylinder should be relatively simple.
Take off the Ignition Switch
The ignition switch and cylinder lock are two distinct parts of your car's electrical system. Although they appear like they are, they are able to be repaired or replaced independently of one another. The switch is the electrical portion that supplies power to the vehicle while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into. You can tell when the ignition cylinder has failed by the inability to turn your key.
If the cylinder fails, the pins inside the tumbler could wear out, making it difficult or impossible to insert or pull your key. If you find that your key has become worn and cannot turn, your best bet is to get the wafers in it replaced or smoothed by an experienced locksmith.
Based on the model of your car, there may be a screw or bolt that secures the switch and removal of this will expose the cylinder of ignition. Check the manual of your vehicle before attempting this at home. It can be dangerous and cause damage to the steering column or plastic covers. Furthermore, the switch is bundled with wiring for airbags and tampering with it can result in serious injury.
To take the ignition cylinder out it is necessary to use a drill to loosen it. You may also use pliers to separate it from the rest of the assembly however this is usually more difficult than using a screwdriver. When the ignition cylinder becomes loose it is possible to replace it with a brand new one from your local auto store.
After installing the new ignition cylinder you'll have to connect all the wires to the electrical connections in the steering column, and then test it for proper function. It's best to disconnect the battery first, then take the key from the ignition and then start the engine. The battery can be reconnected after the ignition has worked. If it's still not starting, you'll need to have the immobilizer system reset by a dealer or automotive service technician. This is a complex procedure that should be left to a professional.
Install the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition switch on your car sends an indication to the engine that it's time to begin. The key inserts into a lock cylinder to start the process, but the wafers and pins inside the cylinder can wear down over time. This could make it difficult to turn on your car or even impossible if the cylinder gets stuck.
If your key won't turn on the ignition, it is likely that it's time to get replaced. A skilled locksmith can replace the cylinder with an identical one, so your new key will work with your old ignition switch, and will be able to trigger the engine startup signal.
To remove the old lock you need to press the release pin located at the bottom of your assembly and slide the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder won't slide out, you can try pressing the release pin or pressing an anti-rotation button on the front of the cylinder. You can also push in on the cylinder while turning the key to the ACC position or use an accessory to force it out.
Install the new cylinder and test it by turning off the vehicle. If it is, you can connect the trim pieces that you removed to access the cylinder. Then you can perform an re-learning process to connect the new keys.
Although the lock for the ignition cylinder isn't as crucial to the functioning of your car as it once was however, there are many scenarios where you'll need to replace it. Consult a professional such as an automotive dealer or locksmith to ensure the task is done without causing damage to the steering column's plastic or other components of your vehicle. It's important to make sure that the new ignition is coded correctly to ensure that your car recognizes it as a genuine key. This will usually require an expert or a dealer to do this relearning.