How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key won't turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler which your key slides into, and not the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system.

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

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of a key to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system works better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. Certain older vehicles still use the old lock cylinder. If this part fails, it may be required to replace it in order to get the car started. This is not a job for the beginner and is best left to professionals.

Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower columns of the steering using the help of a screwdriver. This will allow you access to 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. It holds the wiper/signal unit in the correct 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 that hold the plastic on top of the turn-signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside.

In order to get at the lock cylinder, you will have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. You can use a special tool to remove it or ghetto it with the help of a piece of metal, for example a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit.

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 and then moving it to the ACC position to press the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can call a locksmith for assistance.

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

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical device that houses and locks the key to your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" the anti-theft codes to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder will wear out. It can also break or become bent. In this situation, you will need to replace the cylinder in order to start your car.

Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder include problems with turning your key, or with the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, you can try using it in the lock. You might be able make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40. However, this technique only works for a certain amount of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure that it is installed in the flange on the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the steering column shroud. Check the manual of your car ignition switch or an expert to ensure the cylinder is correctly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click which signifies that the ignition switch has been fully seated within the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you'll need to perform the anti-theft relearning procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to 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 removing the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. For these reasons, this is a task best left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able remove the steering column cover and then 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 begins to work properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles because of advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're prevalent on older vehicles. If your car's ignition switch or key seems to be stuck, or you're having difficulty starting your car it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder may be to blame. It's relatively simple to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder, and then fix the issue.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical part of the system that slides into the ignition switch in 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 actually two separate parts. The switch is the electrical component that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the ignition key.

The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to let your key slide into and rotate in the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates friction, which keeps the key in position. However, as time passes, the wafer tumblers can wear out. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder usually the first indication of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key may be stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as soon as you can.

Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it is a job that should be done by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your vehicle can help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair ignition lock cylinder (previous) for you at a time and location that's convenient to you.

Testing the ignition and key replacement Cylinder

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

The most obvious indications that a car's lock cylinder is preparing to go bad include difficulty getting your car started or locating positions where the key gets stuck when you attempt to turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. You may even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure.

As the cylinder gets older, it may be damaged through wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers to wear out and break or damage and prevent your car's ignition from unlocking. In some cases, the ignition will still work if you move it in different directions, but this is a dangerous sign that something could be wrong.

You can examine the cylinder of your ignition and determine whether the cylinder or key is damaged or worn out. You can test with a multimeter if there's voltage between the red wire connector of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't see any, the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300 and it's generally recommended to let an experienced mechanic complete the job. The process is complicated due to the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. Depending on your vehicle, the replacement procedure can be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This is typically done at the dealership however, you can also learn how to do it yourself by using the appropriate tools and directions.