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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch which 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 that your key is able to slide into.
Over time, these "wafer" tumblers will 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 don't have steering column locks. They make use of keys to start the car by pressing and rotating a switch in the dashboard panel. This modern system functions more efficiently and is less complicated than the lock-cylinder system of the past. Some older vehicles still employ the traditional lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, it might be required to replace it in order to start the car. This is a task that should be left to professionals.
Using a screwdriver, remove the fasteners that hold the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering column. This will allow access to the area around the steering column.
You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. This bolt keeps the signal unit and wiper in place. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Depending on the year of your car, you may have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that hold the plastic cover on the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside.
To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This will require the use of a special tool or to do it using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith can also use a bolt removal kit.
If the key cannot be put into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either contact a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.
Locksmiths can use the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder, or they can use a torch to cut the pin, then shave it down to remove it. 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 a cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks the key of your car. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to start or stop your car. As time passes the cylinder wears out. It can also be bent or damaged. If this occurs, the cylinder will require replacement in order for your vehicle to begin.
Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder include problems with turning the 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 inside the lock. You could try using some WD-40 or graphite to adjust the cylinder's settings, however, this is only for a brief period of period of 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 securely placed into the steering column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. If you're not sure about the correct alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an automotive expert.
Once the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you'll need to perform the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key.
Some experts suggest having a professional replace the ignition cylinder since it is typically required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. Because of this, it is a job that should be left to a professional mechanic. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder inside your vehicle. They'll also be able to ensure the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and begins to work correctly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles thanks to advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're prevalent on older vehicles. If you have trouble starting your car or if the ignition switch is faulty, it could be a defective ignition cylinder. It's relatively simple to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and repair the problem.
The ignition cylinder is a mechanical part of the system which slides into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two distinct components. The switch is an electrical device that connects with your car's computer system to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.
The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place, but over time, these small movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers have worn down, the key of your car won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder.
The first indication of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in most cars. However, the key can become stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are signs that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as soon as possible.
Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it's a job that should be completed by a professional do-it-yourselfer if you're able to follow the right procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your car can help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and in a location that's convenient for you.
Testing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key to permit it to turn and start your vehicle. It is inserted into the ignition switch that secures the ignition, and reads the anti-theft codes to authorize the key to turn. The ignition lock cylinder may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with your vehicle's power or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.
Some of the most common indications that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulty in starting it, or places where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These issues are typically an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. In some instances you may notice an indicator light on your dashboard that signals an impending failure.
As the cylinder gets older it is likely to be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which could prevent your car's ignition from working. The ignition might still work in some instances when you move it around. However, this could indicate something is wrong.
You can examine your ignition cylinder and see whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you can probe the module's red wire connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's voltage. If lost ignition key are unable to detect any voltage or a switch, the module will likely need to be replaced.
The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs $200 to $300, and it's usually best to have an expert mechanic do the job. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you may need to remove other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. The replacement procedure may also require you to disable the airbag system and reprogramme your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This process is usually done by an authorized dealer, but you can learn how to do it yourself using the proper tools and instructions.