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10 Facts About Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

The ignition cylinder lock permits the key to be turned, allowing the car to start. It is controlled by a chamber with springs that may be damaged due to environmental conditions like low or high temperatures.

If your ignition switch keys or the switch itself will not turn, it could be an indication that the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. It is best to leave this job to a professional automotive locksmith.

Take off the covers of the steering column.

Ignition lock cylinders are the mechanical components that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition switch and then turned in order to start the car. They may wear out or fail in a variety of ways, like keys that are put in too hard or in the correct position. They may also fail due to corrosion, and other reasons. It's time to replace your ignition cylinder if you notice it's not working. This is a straightforward task however, you'll need to take off the steering column cover and the airbag cover. This process can be risky and difficult and the new cylinder might require special tools to put in.

The ignition cylinder can be located in the middle column where the steering wheel is positioned. It has two screws on the bottom and an attachment clip on the side to secure it to the column. Remove these screws before you start working on the cylinder to stop it from falling out and getting lost.

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

You can break these off by removing the screw that holds them and bending the tab slightly outward. If the tab is broken completely, it can be replaced by a piece of perforated metal strapping, which can be found at a majority of hardware stores. You'll also require U-clips to attach the new bottom "tab," and these can be sourced from any automotive parts shop.

After removing the plastic tabs and pulling back the airbag cover, it is now possible to reach the ignition cylinder. Utilizing the 1/16-inch allen screw, you can open the ignition lock and push down the pin that holds the cylinder. Then, you'll be able to pull the cylinder out. It is possible to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.

Remove the Ignition Cylinder

While many of the latest vehicles have transitioned to push-to-start systems, there are still many cars in the market that require an ignition lock cylinder. This mechanical cylinder is located inside the electrically powered device known as the ignition switch. It locks the ignition and "reads" anti-theft codes inside the car key to allow it to turn on.

It could be the right time to contact an auto locksmith if the vehicle shows signs of a failing lock cylinder. A faulty cylinder can cause several problems, including a absence of power from the engine, as well as issues with inserting and taking out the key. Worn keys can damage wafer tumblers that let the cylinder to turn. This causes a jam and prevents the vehicle from starting.

Depending on your model and make the cover for your ignition switch can be secured with either a clip or screw. With a screwdriver, loosen the screw, then remove the cover to reveal the cylinder that locks the ignition. This is typically a metal cylinder approximately the size of a quarter.

To remove the cylinder you'll need to drill out the pin that holds it in place. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the slot for the key and then drill straight into it until the cylinder snaps free. You can then remove the cylinder and replace it.

The exact process to remove the ignition cylinder varies by manufacturer, so you'll have to review your service manual to find out the steps to follow. Once the cylinder has been removed, you can then install the new ignition switch.

Before you can do that, you'll need to reinstall the covers for the steering column. Also, you'll need to tighten two screws on top of the lock assembly that secure it. Once you've done that, the installation of your new ignition cylinder should be fairly simple.

Take out the Ignition Switch

The ignition switch and the cylinder lock are two distinct parts of your car's electrical system. Although they appear like they are, they can be replaced or repaired separately from one other. The switch is electrical and sends power to your vehicle. The cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical which your key can slide into. You can tell if the ignition cylinder has failed due to the inability to turn your key.

When the cylinder fails the pins in the tumbler could wear out which makes it difficult or impossible to pull out or insert your key. If you notice that your key is worn out and won't turn it's recommended that you have the wafers inside it replaced or smoothed by professional locksmiths.


Depending on your vehicle's make it could have a bolt or screw that holds the switch in place and removing it will expose the cylinder that controls the ignition. It is important to read the service manual of your vehicle prior to attempting this at home, because it could be risky and cause damage to the steering column and plastic covers. Additionally the switch is connected with airbags' wires, and tampering with this could result in serious injury.

To remove the ignition cylinder it is necessary to use an instrument to loosen it. It is also possible to use pliers, however it's more difficult. Once the ignition cylinder is removed, you can buy an alternative one at your local auto shop.

You'll need all the wires that are connected to the electrical connection on the steering column to verify its proper operation. It is usually easier to disconnect the battery, and then remove the ignition key, and then start the vehicle. It is possible to reconnect the battery after the ignition has worked. If the car still doesn't turn on, you'll require having the immobilizer system reset. This can be done by a dealer or automotive service technician. This can be a complicated procedure, so it's best done by a certified professional.

Reinstall the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car transmits an alert to the car's engine that it's time for it to start. The key inserts into a lock cylinder to trigger this process, but the wafers and pins inside the cylinder may wear out over time. ignition key replacement could be difficult or impossible to start your vehicle when the 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 using a similar one, meaning that your new key will work with the old ignition switch and will be able to trigger the engine's start-up signal.

To take out the lock cylinder that was previously in use, push in on the release pin located at the bottom of the assembly, and slide the cylinder out from its housing. If the cylinder doesn't slide out, try pressing on the release pin once more or using a screwdriver to depress the small anti-rotation button under the cylinder's surface. You could also try pushing down on the cylinder using your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to see if you can get it out.

Install the new cylinder and test it by turning the car on. If it is, you can reconnect the trim pieces you removed to get to the cylinder. Then, you can go through an re-learning process to connect the new keys.

The lock for the ignition cylinder may not be as crucial to the performance of your vehicle as it used to be but there are situations that require you to replace it. It is important to speak with an expert, like an automotive locksmith or car dealer to ensure the task is done correctly and without causing harm to the steering column or other components in your vehicle. It's also important to ensure that the new ignition cylinder has been correctly encoded so that your vehicle can recognize it as an authentic key. In most cases this will require a dealer or other professional to carry out the relearn.