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5 Lessons You Can Learn From Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder
How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch that is the electrical component of the ignition system that sends the power to the engine of your vehicle, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into.

Over time, these "wafer" tumblers can wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily fix the issue, but replacing the tumblers is the only option.

Removal of the Steering Column

Most modern cars no longer have a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have a key that is used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dash panel. This newer system works much better and is much simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. However, there are some older vehicles that utilize the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part is damaged, you will require replacing it in order to restart the vehicle. This is not an activity for the beginner and is best left to an experienced professional.

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

There is 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 the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, it could have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch. Unscrew these and set them aside.

To access the lock cylinder, you'll have to remove the wiper/signal unit. You can either make use of a specific tool to remove it or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be able to use the shear 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 try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to release the lock cylinder pin, or you can contact a locksmith for help.

A locksmith can employ the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder. They can make use of a torch to cut the pin, then shave the pin down to remove it. They can change the cylinder's key to match your current keys and save you the expense of purchasing a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical part that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to allow you to start or stop your car. The cylinder wears down over time. It can be bent or broken. In this instance you'll need to replace the cylinder in order to get your car running.

A worn or broken cylinder can cause problems turning the key, or causing the ignition switch will 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 smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40. However, this method is only effective for a certain amount of time.

If you have a brand new key you can replace the ignition cylinder, and follow the instructions above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, make sure it is properly placed in the flange of the steering column tube, and that it is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Consult your car's manual or an expert to confirm that the cylinder is properly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will be required to go through the anti-theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder with your key.

Some experts suggest that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is because it's usually necessary to deactivate the airbag in the steering column for access to the cylinder. The replacement process will likely require the removal of the steering wheel and the ignition covers. This is why you should leave the job to a mechanic with experience. 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 verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and is working correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less essential in modern vehicles thanks to advancements in remote start and push-to-start systems, they're widespread on older cars. If your car's ignition switch seems to be stuck, or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could be the cause. It's easy to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that is inserted into your car's ignition switch 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 parts. The switch is an electronic component that connects with your car's computer to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to let your key slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates friction, which keeps the key in its place. However, over time the wafer tumblers will wear out. When the tumblers have worn down, your car's key won't be able slide into or rotate the cylinder.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil in most cars. The key may be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder must be replaced as soon as possible.

It's not difficult to change your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are certain that you will follow the correct procedure for your specific make and model. You can complete the job quickly and efficiently by using a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder on your own make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair for you at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key to allow it to turn and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to allow key turning. The cylinder that locks the ignition is susceptible to wear and may eventually fail, causing issues powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.

The most common indications that a car's lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting your vehicle or finding positions where the key gets stuck when you attempt to turn it. read more mean that the cylinder is worn down and requires replacement. You might even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure.

As the cylinder age, it may be damaged due to wear and wear and. This could cause the pins and tumblers to wear down and break and prevent the ignition of your car from working. The ignition may still work in some instances by moving it around. However, this could indicate that something is wrong.

You can check the cylinder in your ignition and see whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you have a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's any voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage or a switch, the module are likely to need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder usually costs $200 to $300, and it's usually best to hire an experienced mechanic complete the task. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. Based on the vehicle you have the replacement process may also require disabling the airbag system, and then you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This is usually handled by an authorized dealer. However, you could do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.

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