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Ten Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder That Will Make Your Life Better
How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car key won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical which your key slides into, in contrast to the switch that is an electrical component of the ignition system.

Over time, "wafers" can break or wear out. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily solve the problem however, replacing the tumblers is the only solution.

Removing the steering column

Modern cars don't have steering column locks. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning an on the dashboard panel. This modern system works better and is much simpler than the old lock-cylinder method. However, there are older cars that still employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be necessary to replace it to start the car. This is a task that should be left to professionals.

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

On the side of the column that is closest to the driver, you'll notice an Allen head bolt that pins the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle you might find three or four small screws with flat heads, which hold the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This will require the use of a specially designed tool, or you could perform the task using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith can also use an instrument to remove bolts.

If the key can't be placed into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to press the pin on the lock cylinder, or call 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 and then shave it down to take it off. They will be able to replace the cylinder's keys to match your existing keys and will save you the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder.

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks the key in your vehicle. The cylinder is affixed to the key and "reads" the anti-theft code to permit or block the start of your vehicle. Over time the cylinder wears out. It could also break or become bent. In this instance you'll need replace the cylinder in order to start your car.

A worn or broken cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or the ignition switch will not move into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You may be able to finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, however this method only works for so long.


If you have a brand new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure it's properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange and aligned with keyway on the shroud. Check the manual of your car or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click which signifies that the ignition switch has been fully installed within the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearn process for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.

Some experts suggest that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag for access to the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve removing and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why you should leave this job to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to remove the steering wheel cover and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder inside your car. They will also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it starts correctly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though ignition lock cylinders have been less significant in modern vehicles because of remote start and push-tostart technology, older vehicles still have these cylinders. If you're having difficulty getting your car started or the ignition switch is faulty, it could be an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace the ignition lock cylinder and fix the issue.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and sends power to the rest of the engine. While many people confuse the term "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they're two distinct components. The switch is an electronic component that connects with your car's computer system to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key.

The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move upwards and downwards, which allows your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates friction, which keeps the key in position. However, over time, the wafer tumblers can wear out. When the tumblers are worn down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. However, the key can become stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are indications that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as fast as possible.

Replacing ignition barrel replacement near me is not difficult, but it is something that should be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only if you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. You can complete the task quickly and correctly with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair for you at a time and location that is convenient for you.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that fits your key in order to enable it to turn and start your vehicle. It's mounted inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition is prone to wear and can eventually fail, leading to problems with the power supply to your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key.

Some of the main indicators that your car's lock cylinder is about to fail are difficulties in starting it or areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These issues are typically an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. In certain instances you may even see an alert light on your dashboard that signals an imminent failure.

As the cylinder age it can be damaged through wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which could stop your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition may still work in some instances when you move it around. However, this could indicate something is not right.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or the key is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's the voltage. If you don't find any or no voltage, the switch and module are likely to require replacement.

It is recommended to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder as it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you might have to take other parts to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. Depending on your vehicle, the replacement procedure can 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 typically done at an authorized dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself by using the right tools and instructions.

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