How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car's key isn't turning, it's time to change 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 part of the ignition system.
Over time they "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. Using WD-40 or graphite may temporarily resolve the issue but replacement is the only solution that lasts.
Eliminating the Steering Column
Modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they use keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this component is damaged, you will require replacing it in order to restart the vehicle. This isn't a task for the beginner and is best left to an experienced professional.
Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper columns of the steering using the help of a screwdriver. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column.
On the side of the column closest to the driver, you'll see an Allen head bolt that holds the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Remove this bolt and place it aside. Depending on the year of your car, you may have three or four small flat head screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and place them aside.
To get to the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. You can employ a special tool remove it or ghetto it using an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be able to use the shear bolt removal kit.
If ignition repair cost isn't able to be placed into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either contact a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to release the pin on the lock cylinder.
A locksmith can employ a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder. They can make use of a torch to slit the pin and then shave the pin down to take it off. They can re-key your ignition cylinder to ensure it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on the purchase of a new ignition.
Replacing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft code and then fits your key to start or stop your car. Over time, the cylinder can wear out. It can be bent or broken. In this situation you'll need replace the cylinder to get your car running.
A damaged or worn cylinder could cause issues 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 in the lock. You may be able to use 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 have a brand new key, replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the steps outlined above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Check the manual of your car or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.
Once the cylinder is installed then turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click which signifies that the ignition switch has been fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will need to follow the anti-theft relearn process to programme the new ignition cylinder to your key.
Some experts recommend that you have a professional replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag in order to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement is likely to involve removal and replacement of the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is a job best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able remove the cover for the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able to verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed by your key and that it will start correctly when you insert it.
Installing the Ignition Cylinder
While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less essential in modern vehicles because of advances in remote start and push-to-start systems, they're common on older cars. If your ignition switch or key seems to be stuck, or you're having difficulty starting your car the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could be the cause. It's easy to fix your car's issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock.
The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. Many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they are actually two separate components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to the computer in your car and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.
Ignition lock cylinders have pins that move upwards and downwards to let your key slide into and rotate in the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these small movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down the key will not be able slide into the cylinder, or turn it.
The first indication of trouble is usually a worn ignition coil in the majority of cars. However, the key could be stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are indications that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can.
Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it's a job that should be completed by a professional do-it-yourselfer if you're able to follow the proper procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your car will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the work for you at a convenient time and place.
Testing the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is affixed 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 key turning. The cylinder that locks the ignition is susceptible to wear and may eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it difficult to remove and insert the key.
The most obvious indicators that your car's lock cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty starting it or finding locations where the key gets caught when you turn it. These problems are usually an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You might even notice an alert light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure.
As the cylinder gets older, it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which can make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue working. In some instances, the ignition will still work if you jostle it in different directions, but this is a warning sign that something could be wrong.
You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. You can use a multimeter to check whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire connector of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage, then the switch and module probably need to be replaced.
The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs between $200 and $300, and it's generally recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the job. It's not easy due to the fact that you might have to remove other components, such as the steering column, in order to get to the ignition cylinder. The replacement procedure may also require you to turn off the airbag system and reprogramme your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This can be done at an authorized dealer, but you can learn how to do it yourself by using the right tools and instructions.