ignition cylinder lock repair (official statement)

The ignition cylinder lock allows the key to be turned and the car to begin. It works through springs and chambers which may be damaged by environmental factors like low or high temperatures.

If your ignition switch, key or both won't turn it could indicate that the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. This task should be left to a professional auto locksmith.

Remove the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock cylinders can be described as mechanical parts that allow a key to be put into the ignition switch and turned to turn on the car. They can fail and wear out due to various reasons, including when the key is put in too strongly or in the wrong place. They may also fail due to corrosion, and other reasons. It's time to replace your ignition cylinder if it isn't working. It's a simple task, but you'll need to remove the steering column cover and airbag cover. The process is risky and complicated and the replacement cylinder might require special tools to put in.

The ignition cylinder is situated in the middle of the column, where the steering wheel attaches. It has two screws on the bottom and an attachment clip on the side to secure it to the column. Take these screws off before you begin working on the cylinder to prevent it from slipping out and getting lost.

After the screws are removed, you can take out the plastic retainers that are located at the bottom of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips onto the top of the cover to keep it in place. You may need to pry off the cover in order to remove the tabs that are lower.

They can be removed by taking off one of the retaining screws and then bending the tab outwards a little. If the tab is broken off completely, you can replace it with a piece perforated metal strapping available at most hardware stores. You'll also require U-clips to secure the new bottom "tab," and these can be purchased from any auto parts store.

Once the plastic tabs are removed and the airbag cover removed, you are able to access the ignition cylinder hole. You can unlock the ignition lock by using the 1/16-inch Allen wrench and pull the retaining bolt of the cylinder. You can then remove the cylinder. It may be necessary to replace it with a specially designed cylinder for an anti-theft system.

Take off the Ignition Cylinder

Although many newer vehicles have been upgraded to push-to start systems, there are still a good number of cars on the road that need an ignition lock cylinder. This cylinder, which is mechanical, is located inside the electrically-powered part referred to as the "ignition switch" that locks the ignition and "reads the anti-theft code within the car key before allowing it to turn on.

It could be time to contact an auto locksmith if the vehicle has signs of a damaged lock cylinder. A faulty ignition lock cylinder can cause numerous issues, such as an absence of power from the engine and difficulty in inserting or taking out keys. Keys that are worn out can damage wafer tumblers that let the ignition cylinder to turn. This can cause a blockage and stops the vehicle from beginning.

Based on the model and make, the ignition switch cover could be secured by either a clip or screw. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw and slide off the cover to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. It's typically a steel cylinder that's approximately the size of the size of a quarter.

To remove the cylinder, you must drill the pin that holds it. Make use of a drill that's slightly larger than the key slot and drill straight into the cylinder until it breaks free. You'll then be able to pull the cylinder out and replace it with a new.

The exact process for removing the ignition cylinder differs by manufacturer, so you'll need to read your service manual to determine what steps you need to take. After you have the cylinder removed, you are able to install your new ignition switch.

It is first necessary to replace the covers for the steering column. Two screws are required to hold the lock assembly in place. After you've done that the installation of your new ignition cylinder shouldn't prove to be too difficult.

Take off the Ignition Switch

The ignition cylinder lock and switch are two distinct components of the electrical system in your car. Although they appear identical, you can repair or replace them on your own. The switch is electric and sends the power to your vehicle. The cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key slides into. In general, you can detect that the ignition cylinder is not working properly due to its inability to turn your key.

When the cylinder is damaged the pins in the tumbler may wear out, making it difficult or impossible to pull out or insert your key. If you notice that your key is damaged and isn't turning anymore it is recommended to have the wafers in it replaced or smoothed out by professional locksmiths.

Based on the make of your vehicle, there may be a screw or bolt that holds the switch in place and removing it will expose the cylinder that controls the ignition. It is essential to check the manual for your vehicle before making the attempt at home as it can be dangerous and cause damage to the steering column and plastic covers. The switch is also linked with the wiring for airbags. If you mess with it, it could cause serious injuries.

To take the ignition cylinder out it is necessary to use a drill to loosen it. It is also possible to use pliers however, it is more difficult. If the ignition cylinder becomes loose, you can replace it with a new one from a local auto store.

After installing the new ignition cylinder you'll have to connect all of the wires to the electrical connections in the steering column and then test it for proper function. It's generally easier to disconnect the battery first, then remove the key from the ignition and then start the engine. Once the ignition is working, you can reconnect the battery and try it again. If it still won't start then you'll need to reset the immobilizer system by a dealership or service technician. This is a complex procedure that should be handled by an expert.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car sends an indication to the engine that it's time to start up. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder to initiate this process, however the pins and wafers within the cylinder can wear down over time. This could make it difficult to turn on your car or even impossible if your cylinder gets stuck.

If your key doesn't turn on the ignition, it's likely that it needs to be replaced. A professional locksmith can replace the cylinder with an identical one, meaning that the new key will work with your old ignition switch and will be able to trigger the engine's startup signal.

To remove the old lock cylinder to remove it, push it into the release pin on the bottom of the assembly and slide the cylinder out from its housing. If the cylinder will not be able to slide out, try pressing in the release pin or using a small anti rotation button underneath the face of cylinder. You could also try pushing down on the cylinder using your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to try and get it out.

Once you've removed the old cylinder, put in the new one and switch on the vehicle to ensure whether it's working. If it's working, connect the trim pieces that you removed to access the cylinder. After that, you can begin the relearning process to connect the new keys.

The lock on the ignition cylinder might not be as vital to the functionality of your car as it was in the past but there are situations that require you to replace it. Consult a professional such as an locksmith ignition replacement cost or dealer in the automotive industry to ensure that the task is completed without damaging the steering column plastic or other components of your vehicle. It's also important to ensure that the new ignition cylinder is correctly coded so that your vehicle can recognize it as an authentic key. In the majority of cases this will require a dealership or other professional to perform the relearning.