10 Steps To Begin Your Own Repair Ignition Lock Cylinder Business

How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's keys won't turn it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch, which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that supplies energy to the engine of your car The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into.

Over time over time, these "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite could temporarily solve the issue but replacement is the only way to fix it permanently.

Eliminating the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they have keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning a switch on the dashboard panel. This newer method is easier and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. Some older vehicles still employ the traditional lock cylinder. If this part is damaged, you will need to replace it in order to start the vehicle. This is not a job for the beginner and is best left to an experienced professional.

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

On the side of the steering column closest to the driver, you will see an Allen head bolt that pins the wiper/signal assembly in place. Remove the bolt and set it away. Based on the year of your car, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads, which hold the plastic over 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. This requires the use of a specific tool, or you could perform the task using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with the shear bolt removal kit.

If you're unable to insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to depress the lock cylinder pin or you can call a locksmith for assistance.

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

Replace the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical part that is used to house and lock the key to your vehicle. The cylinder is fitted to the key and "reads" anti-theft code to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It may also become bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will have to be replaced in order for your vehicle to start.

A damaged or worn cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or cause the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning light to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You might be able to 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 if you have an alternative key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's properly placed into the steering column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. If you're not sure about the correct alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle's repair manual or an expert.

Once the cylinder is installed, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click confirm that the ignition switch has been fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key.

Some experts suggest that you have a professional replace your ignition cylinder. This is because it's often necessary to disable the steering column airbag to get to the cylinder. The replacement may require the removal of the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. This is a job that should be left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able to ensure the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and that it is working properly when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less essential in modern vehicles because of advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they are still 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 could be to blame. It's relatively simple to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and repair the problem.

The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that is inserted into your car's ignition switch and supplies 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 an electrical component that connects to your car's computer system to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key.

Pins on ignition lock cylinders move up and down, permitting your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates friction, which keeps the key in place. However, as time passes, the wafer tumblers can wear out. When the tumblers are worn down, the key of your car will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder.

A damaged ignition cylinder is usually the first indication of trouble in the majority of vehicles. The key could also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all signs that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as is possible.

Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it is a job that should be handled by a professional do-it-yourselfer if you're able to follow the correct procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient to you.

Test the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that is fitted to your key and allows it to turn and start your car.  fix ignition switch 's located inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to allow key turning. The cylinder that locks the ignition will wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to insert and remove keys.

Some of the most common indications that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulty starting it or finding areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These are usually an indication that the cylinder must be replaced. You might even notice a warning light flashing on your dashboard to signal an impending failure.

As the cylinder gets older it may be damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down and break, preventing the ignition of your car from unlocking. In some cases, the ignition will still function if you jerk it into different positions but this is a warning indicator that something is wrong.

You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see if it's worn out or the key is bent or damaged. You can use a multimeter to check whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't find any or no voltage, then the switch and module probably need to be replaced.

It is best to engage an expert mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder as it could cost between $200 and $300. It can be complicated 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 reprogramme your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is typically done at a dealer however, you can also learn how to do it yourself using the appropriate tools and directions.