Why Do So Many People Are Attracted To Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder?
How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car key won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical which your key slides into, in contrast to the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.
Over time 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 way to fix it.
G28 of the Steering Column
Modern cars do not have steering column locks. They use a key to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system functions better and is much simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. However, there are older vehicles that employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, you might require replacing it in order to start the vehicle. This is a job that should be left to professionals.
Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering columns with a screwdriver. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column.
You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver that holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in place. Remove the bolt and set it aside. Depending on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch. Unscrew these and set them aside.
To access the lock cylinder, you will need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. You can either make use of a specific tool to do this or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith can also use the bolt removal kit.
If the key can't be inserted into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can call a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to depress the pin of the lock cylinder.
A locksmith will be able to make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off the lock cylinder with a torch and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They can replace the cylinder's keys to match your current keys and will help you save the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder.
Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical part that houses and secures the key to your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft codes to allow or deny starting of your vehicle. Over time, the cylinder can wear out. It can also be bent or damaged. In this case you'll need replace the cylinder to get your car started.
A 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 illuminate on the dashboard. If you have an extra, use it inside the lock. You may be able to use some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, but this is only effective for a limited period of time.
Replace the ignition cylinder if have an alternative key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's properly seated into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is aligned correctly.
After the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Listen for the click to confirm that the ignition switch is completely seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will have to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder to your key.
Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, as it is usually necessary to disable the airbag in the steering column to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely require removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to take off the cover for the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They'll also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and begins to work correctly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Although ignition lock cylinders have been less significant in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart systems, older cars still make use of them. If your ignition switch or key is stuck, or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder may be to blame. It's relatively simple to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and fix the issue.
The ignition cylinder is a mechanical part of the system which is inserted into the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to rest the engine. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is an electrical component that connects to your car's computer system to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key.
The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to allow the key to slide into and rotate in the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates friction, which keeps the key in position. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers may wear out. When the tumblers are worn down, the key will not be able slide into the cylinder, or turn it.
A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key can also begin to stick and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are indications that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can.
It's not difficult to change your ignition cylinder, however, you should only do it if are confident that you can follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific model and make. A full repair manual for your vehicle will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient to you.
Testing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is affixed to your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to permit key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock is susceptible to wear and eventually fail, causing issues powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key.
The main indications that a car's lock cylinder is about be damaged is having trouble getting your car started or locating locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder is damaged and needs replacement. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an impending failure.
As the cylinder gets older, it can become damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down and break or damage and prevent the ignition of your car from unlocking. In some instances, the ignition will still work if you jostle it in different directions however this is a warning indicator that 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, it is possible to back-probe the module's red connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's voltage. If you do not find any voltage or a switch, the module will most likely need to be replaced.
The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and it's recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the task. The process is complicated due to the fact that you may need to remove other components to access the ignition cylinder, 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. This process is usually done by a dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself with the proper tools and instructions.