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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's ignition key will not turn and it's time to replace the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch, which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that supplies power to your vehicle's engine the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into. Over time 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 solution. The steering column can be removed Most modern cars no longer use a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have a key that is used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning an on the dash panel. This newer system works much better and is simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this part fails, you may require replacing it in order to start the vehicle. This is not a job for the novice and should be left to a professional. Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper steering columns with the help of a screwdriver. This will allow you access to the area surrounding the steering column. You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. It holds the wiper/signal unit in place. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Depending on your car's year you might see three or four small screws with flat heads that keep the plastic over the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside. To get to the lock cylinder you will need to take off the signal/wiper unit. You can either employ a special tool do this or ghetto it with a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of an instrument to remove bolts. If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. You can either call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to release the pin of the lock cylinder. A locksmith can employ the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder or they can make use of a torch to cut the pin and then shave the pin down to remove it. They will be able to replace the cylinder's keys to match the keys you have and save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder. Replace the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical device that houses and secures the key to your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and “reads” the anti-theft codes to permit or block the start of your vehicle. The cylinder can wear down over time. It may also break or become bent. If this occurs, the cylinder will have to be replaced to allow your vehicle to begin. Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder can be seen in problems with turning the key, or with the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have an extra, put it in the lock. You might be able make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40. However, this method is only effective for so long. Replace the ignition cylinder if you have a replacement key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely fitted into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle's repair manual or an automotive expert. Once the cylinder is installed and the key is turned to the ACC or RUN position. Watch for a click which indicates the ignition switch is fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will have to perform 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 due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the airbag on the steering column in order to get to the cylinder. visit my web page will likely require the removal of the steering wheel and the ignition covers. This is a job that should be left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able remove the steering column cover and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They will also be able ensure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed using your key, and that it will start correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although 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 have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is not working, it could be an issue with the ignition cylinder. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and repair the issue. The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and 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 ignition key. The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move upwards and downwards, permitting your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates friction that keeps the key in position. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers may wear out. When the tumblers are worn down, the key of your car won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder. The first indication of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in the majority of cars. The key could also become stuck and difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as is possible. It's not difficult to replace 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 complete the job quickly and efficiently with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you are not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics perform the job for you at a convenient time and location. Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is affixed to your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and may eventually fail, causing issues powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key. The most obvious indicators that your car's lock cylinder is in danger of failing is difficulty in starting it, or places where the key is caught when you turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder has damaged and needs replacement. You might even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure. As the cylinder age it is prone to being damaged due to corrosion or wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, damage or even break, which can stop your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition may still work in some cases when you move it around. However, this could indicate something is not right. You can test the cylinder in your ignition and see if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. If you own a multimeter, you can back-probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's any voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage, the module and switch will most likely need to be replaced. Replacing the ignition cylinder typically costs $200 to $300, and it's generally recommended to let a professional mechanic perform the task. It's not an easy task due to the fact that you may need remove other components like the steering column to get to the ignition cylinder. The process of replacing it could require you to deactivate the airbag system, and then reprogram your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is usually handled by a dealer. However, you could do it yourself if you have the proper tools and instructions.