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The Story Behind Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder Will Haunt You Forever!
How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder


If your car's key will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch that is the electrical portion of the ignition system that sends power to your vehicle's engine, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key is able to slide into.

Over time, these "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite can temporarily resolve the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. They use keys to start the car by pressing and turning an electronic switch located in the dashboard panel. This modern system works better and is much simpler than the old lock-cylinder method. However, there are older vehicles that employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, you may require replacing it in order to start the vehicle. This isn't a task for the novice and should be left to professionals.

Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the trim panels covering the upper and lower steering column. This allows you to access the area around your steering column.

You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. This bolt holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in position. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads, which hold the plastic over the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder, you'll need to take off the signal/wiper unit. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or to do it using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of a bolt removal kit.

If the key cannot 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 and then move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.

A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin off the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it to take it off the lock. They will be able to change the cylinder's key to match your existing keys and will help you save the cost of a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical part that houses and secures the key in your car. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to start or stop your car. The cylinder can wear down over time. It could also be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder may need to be replaced in order for your car to begin.

A damaged or worn cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or cause 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. ignition key replacement cost could try using some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, however, this is only for a brief 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 that it is properly placed into the steering column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to confirm the cylinder is correctly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. Listen for the click to confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will have to perform the anti-theft relearn process to programme the new ignition cylinder to your key.

Some experts recommend replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is usually required to shut off the airbag inside the steering column to access the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely involve taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is why it's recommended to let a mechanic with experience. They'll be able remove the steering column cover and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They'll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and that it begins to work properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders have been less significant in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart systems, older vehicles still have them. If you're having difficulty getting your car started or the ignition switch is not working it could be due to an issue with the ignition cylinder. Luckily, it's relatively easy to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder, and then fix the problem.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that is inserted into the ignition switch in your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is the electronic component that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to turn on the motor when you turn the key.

The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to allow the key to slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a small amount of friction that helps keep the key in place, but over time, these small movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

The first indication of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in the majority of cars. However, the key can be stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are all signs that the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it's a job that should be completed by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. You can complete the task quickly and accurately with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the work for you at a convenient time and location.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key and allows it to rotate and start your vehicle. It's located inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to allow the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition can wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

The most obvious indications that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulties in starting it or places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These issues are typically an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. In some cases you may even see a warning light on your dashboard that indicates an imminent failure.

As the cylinder gets older, it can become damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down and break, preventing the ignition of your car from unlocking. The ignition may still work in some cases when you move it around. However this could indicate something is not right.

You can examine your ignition cylinder and see if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. You can use a multimeter to check whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage or a switch, the module will likely require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs between $200 and $300 and it's recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the task. It's not easy due to the fact that you may need remove other parts, such as the steering column, to reach the ignition cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle the replacement process may also require you to disable the airbag system, and then you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. It's usually done by a dealer. However, you could do it yourself if you have the proper tools and the right instructions.

Read More: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-ignition-lock-repair-near-me/