The Next Big New Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder Industry
How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car's key won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key can slide into, in contrast to the switch, which is an electrical part of the ignition system.
Over time over time, these "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. The use of WD-40 or graphite may temporarily resolve the issue, but replacement is the only solution that lasts.
Removing the Steering Column
Modern cars don't have steering column locks. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning an on the dashboard panel. This newer method is simpler and more effective than the old lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it in order to allow the car to start. This is not a job for the beginner and should be left to an experienced professional.
With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners that hold the trim panels covering the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will give you access to the area around the steering column.
On the side of the steering column that is closest to the driver, you'll find an Allen head bolt that pins the wiper/signal assembly in place. Remove the bolt and set it aside. Depending on the year of your car, you might have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and place them aside.
To access the lock cylinder, one will need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. This requires the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto to do it using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be equipped with the shear bolt removal kit.
If the key isn't able to be inserted into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to release the lock cylinder's pin.
A locksmith will be able to use a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin from the lock cylinder with an electric torch, and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They can re-key the ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on a new ignition.
Replace the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical part that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft codes to permit or block the start of your vehicle. The cylinder wears down over time. It can also break or get bent. In this situation you'll need to replace the cylinder to start your car.
ignition lock repair services worn or broken cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or causing the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning lamp to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You may be able to use some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, but this only works for a limited time.
Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's properly placed into the steering column tube flange and aligned with keyway on the shroud. Consult your car's manual or an expert to ensure that the cylinder is properly aligned.
After the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click which indicates that the ignition switch is fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you'll be required to go through the anti theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder with your key.
Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder since it is typically necessary to disable the airbag in the steering column to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely involve removing and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why you should leave the job to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover for the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They'll also ensure the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and that it begins to work correctly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles due to advances in push-to-start and remote start systems, they're prevalent on older vehicles. If your car's ignition switch or key is stuck, or if you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be the reason. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder, and then fix the problem.
The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component of the system which connects to the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to the rest the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is an electronic component that connects with the computer in your car to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key.
The pins on the cylinders of ignition locks move upwards and downwards, allowing your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates friction that keeps the key in position. However, as time passes, the wafer tumblers can wear out. When the tumblers are worn down the key will be unable to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.
A damaged ignition cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. The key can be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as it is possible.
It's easy to replace your ignition cylinder, however, you should only do it if are certain that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. A complete repair manual for your car will assist you in getting the job done quickly and correctly. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the work for you at a time and location.
Testing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key to permit it to turn and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to authorize key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and may eventually fail, causing problems with powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.
Some of the most common indications that your car's lock-cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty in starting it, or places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These problems are usually an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. In some cases, you might even notice an indicator light on your dashboard that signals an impending failure.
As the cylinder ages it can be damaged through wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which could make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue working. In some instances the ignition may function if you jerk it around, but this is a warning indicator that something is wrong.
You can test the cylinder in your ignition and see whether the cylinder or the 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 or no voltage, then the switch and module likely need replacing.
The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and it's usually best to hire an experienced mechanic complete the job. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you may have to take other parts 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 then reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. It's usually done by an authorized dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.