Seven Reasons To Explain Why Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder Is Important
How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car's keys will not turn, it's time to replace the cylinder that controls the ignition. Contrary to the switch, which 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 that your key is able to slide into.
Over time, these "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break. The use of WD-40 or graphite could temporarily resolve the issue, but replacement is the only solution that lasts.
Removing the steering column
Modern cars do not use steering column locks. Instead, they utilize keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dash panel. This newer system works much better and is much simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. However, there are a few older vehicles that employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part is damaged, it might be required to replace it in order to allow the car to start. This is not an activity for the beginner and is best left to professionals.
Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower columns of the steering using a screwdriver. This will allow you 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 that keeps the signal unit and wiper in place. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside.
To get to the lock cylinder you will need to take off the signal/wiper unit. This requires the use of a specific tool or you can ghetto to do it using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit.
If the key isn't able to be put into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to press the lock cylinder pin or you can contact an expert locksmith for assistance.
A locksmith can employ a shear cylinder removing 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 cylinder. They can replace the cylinder's keys to match your existing keys and save you the expense of purchasing a new ignition cylinder.
Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft codes to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. Over time the cylinder will wear out. It may also break or become bent. In this case you'll need 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 with a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, consider using it inside the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to adjust the cylinder's settings, but this is only effective for a short period of period of time.
If you've got a new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the instructions above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely seated into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. Check the manual of your car or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.
After the cylinder has been installed, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that indicates that the ignition switch is fully installed within the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will be required to go through the anti-theft relearn process to programme the new ignition cylinder with your key.
Some experts suggest replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is usually required to shut off the airbag in the steering column to access the cylinder. The replacement process will likely require removing the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. For these reasons, this is a job that should be left to an experienced mechanic. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and install a new ignition locking cylinder in your car. They'll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and that it begins to work properly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles due to advances in push-to-start and remote start systems, they're widespread on older cars. If your car's ignition switch or key seems to be stuck, or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder may be the reason. Luckily, it's relatively easy to replace the ignition lock cylinder and repair the problem.
The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.
The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move up and down, permitting your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key 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. When the tumblers wear down the key will be unable to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.
A damaged ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. The key could also become stuck and difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are indications that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can.
It's not a big deal to change the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are confident that you will follow the proper procedure for your car's specific make and model. A full repair manual for your car will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient for you.
Test the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical device that fits on your key to allow it to turn and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to permit the key to turn. The ignition lock cylinder is susceptible to wear and eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key.
van ignition repair that a lock cylinder is preparing to fail is difficulty starting your car or locating positions where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure.
As the cylinder gets older it can be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This could cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear down, cause damage or even break, which can prevent your car's ignition from working. The ignition could still function in some cases by moving it around. However, this could indicate that something is not right.
You can examine the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. You can use a multimeter to check whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire connector of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage, the module and switch will likely 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 might require removing other components to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. The replacement procedure may also require you to turn off the airbag system and reprogramme your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. This can be done at an authorized dealer, but you can learn how to do it yourself using the proper tools and instructions.