How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car's key will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key can slide into, as opposed to the switch, which is an electrical part of the ignition system.
Over time, "wafers" can break or become worn out. The use of WD-40 or graphite can temporarily resolve the issue however replacement is the only permanent solution.
Removing the steering column
Modern cars do not utilize a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of a key to start the car by pressing and rotating a switch in the dashboard panel. This modern system functions better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. However, there are some older vehicles that utilize the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, you might require replacing it to be able to start the vehicle. This is a task that should be left to experts.
Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper columns of the steering using the help of a screwdriver. This allows you to access the area around your 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 assembly of the wiper and signal. Take this bolt off and set it away. Depending on the year of your car, you may have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch. Unscrew these and set them aside.
In order to get at the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto perform the task using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with the shear bolt removal kit.
If the key cannot be put into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to release the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can contact a locksmith for assistance.
A locksmith can employ a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder, or they can make use of a torch to cut the pin, then shave the pin to remove it. They can re-key the ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on an entirely new ignition.
Replace the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks the key in your car. The cylinder is affixed 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 break or become bent. If this occurs, the cylinder may need to be replaced in order for your car to begin.
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 dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it in the lock. You may be able to use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder but this is only effective for a brief period of time.
If you have a brand new key to replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps above to install it. 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 ensure that the cylinder is aligned correctly.
After the cylinder has been installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you'll have to go through the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.
Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, as it is typically necessary to disable the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve removing and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. Because of this, it is a task best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to take off the cover on 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 has been programmed with your key, and that it is properly started when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
Even though ignition lock cylinders have become less important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart systems older cars still use these cylinders. If your car's ignition switch seems to be stuck, or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be to blame. It's easy to fix your car's issue by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock.
The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch of your vehicle and supplies power to the rest the engine. While many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they are actually two separate components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to your car's computer and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the ignition key.
locksmith ignition replacement cost on the cylinders of ignition locks move up and down, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates friction that keeps the key in place. However, as time passes, the wafer tumblers can wear out. If the tumblers get worn out, the key will not be able slide into the cylinder, or turn it.
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 need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as quickly as possible.
It's not difficult to change the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are confident that you can follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. You can complete the task quickly and correctly with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself You can let one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics complete the job for you at a time and place.
Test the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is fitted to your key and allows it to rotate and start your vehicle. It's located inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition is prone to wear and can eventually fail, causing problems with powering your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.
The most obvious indicators that a lock cylinder is about go bad include difficulty starting your vehicle or finding locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder is worn down and requires replacement. In certain instances you may notice a warning light on your dashboard that signals an imminent failure.
As the cylinder ages it may be damaged by corrosion or simply wear and tear. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to wear down and break or damage, preventing the ignition of your car from working. In some cases the ignition may work if you jostle it into different positions but this is a dangerous sign that something could be wrong.
You can check the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you can back-probe the module's red wire connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to see if there is voltage. If you don't find any or no voltage, the switch and module probably need to be replaced.
The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and it's usually best to hire an experienced mechanic complete the task. It's not an easy task because you may have remove other components such as the steering column, to reach the ignition cylinder. The replacement procedure may also require you to deactivate the airbag system, and then reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. This can be done at the dealership, but you can learn how to do it yourself with the right tools and instructions.