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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key won't turn, it's time to replace the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key can slide into, and not the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.

Over time over time, these "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite can temporarily fix the problem, but replacement is the only way to fix it permanently.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they use keys that can be used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch on the dashboard panel. This newer method is simpler and more effective than the traditional lock cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it to get the car started. This is a job that should be left to experts.

Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower column of the steering with a screwdriver. This will allow you access to the area around the steering column.

On the side of the column closest to the driver, you'll notice an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may have three or four small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. This requires the use of a special tool or do it with a piece of metal like a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be able to use a shear bolt removal kit.

If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder could be stuck. You can either contact locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to release the pin on the lock cylinder.

A locksmith will be able to make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder with torch and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They can re-key the cylinder to match your existing keys and will help you save the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical part that 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. In this situation you'll need replace the cylinder in order to get your car started.

A damaged or worn 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 light to appear on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it inside the lock. You might be able finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, however this method only works for a certain amount of time.

If you've got a new key to replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps outlined above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder make sure it is properly installed within the flange on the steering column tube, and that it is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, consult your car's repair ignition lock cylinder manual or an expert.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click which indicates that the ignition switch is fully installed inside the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you'll need to follow the anti-theft relearn procedure to programme the new ignition cylinder to your key.

Some experts recommend having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, since it is often required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve removal and replacement of the ignition and steering wheel covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover on your steering wheel and install a new ignition locking cylinder in your car. 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

Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles due to advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're common on older cars. If you're having difficulty getting your car started or the ignition switch is faulty, it could be an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.

Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move up and down to allow your key to slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates friction, which keeps the key in its place. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers may wear out. If the tumblers get worn out the key will not be able to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

A damaged ignition cylinder is typically the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key could also begin to stick and become difficult to insert or remove from the cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can.

It's not a big deal to change your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are confident that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific model and make. You can do the job quickly and efficiently with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself then let one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient for you.

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 car. It is inserted into the ignition switch that locks the ignition, and reads the anti-theft codes to authorize key turning. The cylinder that locks the van ignition repair may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

The main indicators that a lock cylinder is preparing to be damaged is having trouble starting your vehicle or finding locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You might even notice an alert light flashing on your dashboard to signal the possibility of a failure.

As the cylinder ages, it may be damaged through wear and tear. This can cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear out, cause damage or even break, which will stop your car's ignition from functioning. In some cases, the ignition will still function if you jerk it into different positions, but this could be a sign that something could be wrong.

You can check the cylinder of your ignition and determine if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. If you have a multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's any voltage. If you don't find any voltage, the module and switch are likely to require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and it's generally recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the task. It can be complicated because you may have to remove other components like the steering column, in order to access the ignition cylinder. The replacement process may require you to disable the airbag system, and then reprogram your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This can be done at the dealership however, you can also learn how to do it yourself using the right tools and instructions.