20 Fun Facts About Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

The ignition lock in the cylinder is responsible allowing the key to turn and start the vehicle. It is controlled by a chamber with springs that can be damaged by environmental factors such as high or low temperatures.

If your ignition switch, key or both isn't turning, it could indicate that the lock's cylinder needs to be replaced. This is a job best left to a professional auto locksmith.

Remove the steering column covers

Ignition lock cylinders are mechanical components that allow keys to be put into the ignition switch and turned to start a car. They can wear out and malfunction for various reasons, for instance if the key is inserted too forcefully or in the wrong place. They may also break down and fail due to corrosion or other reasons. It's time to replace your ignition cylinder if it's not functioning. You can do it yourself however it's a job that requires you to remove the covers for the steering column and the airbag cover. This process can be risky and complicated, and the replacement cylinder might require special tools to put in.

The ignition cylinder is found in the middle column where the steering wheel is positioned. It has two screws on the bottom and a clip on the side to secure it to the column. It is important to remove these before you begin working on the cylinder to ensure that it doesn't fall out and become lost.

After you have the screws removed, you can pull the plastic retainers from the lower part of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips onto the top of the cover to hold it in the right position. You may need to pry the cover off the steering wheel to remove the tabs on the lower part of the plastic.


You can break them off by removing the retaining screw and then bending the tab outward. If car ignition switch repair has been broken completely it can be replaced with a perforated piece of strapping made of metal that is available at many hardware shops. You'll need U-clips to attach the new "tab" to the bottom. These can be purchased at any auto parts shop.

Once the plastic tabs have been removed and the airbag cover is pulled back, you can access the hole for the ignition cylinder. You can unlock the ignition lock by using the Allen wrench 1/16-inch and pull the retaining bolt of the cylinder. Then, you can pull the cylinder away. You may have to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.

Remove the Ignition Cylinder

While many modern vehicles have transitioned to push-to-start systems, there's a good number of cars on the road that require an ignition lock cylinder. This mechanical cylinder is housed in the electrically-powered component known as the "ignition switch" that is used to lock the ignition, and "reads' anti-theft codes within the car key before allowing it to turn on.

It may be time to contact an auto locksmith if your vehicle has signs of a damaged lock cylinder. A damaged cylinder can lead to various issues, including a lack of power from the engine as well as problems with inserting and taking out the key. Keys that are worn out can damage wafer tumblers, which let the ignition cylinder to turn. This can cause an obstruction and stops the vehicle from getting started.

Depending on the brand and model of your car The ignition cover can be attached using a clip or screw. With a screwdriver, loosen the screw, then remove the cover, revealing the cylinder for ignition lock. This is typically a metal cylinder, which is approximately the size of one 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 through the cylinder until it is broken. Then, you can remove the cylinder and replace it.

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

You'll first need to replace the covers for the steering column. Two screws are required to hold the lock assembly in place. Once you've completed this the installation of your new ignition cylinder shouldn't be too difficult.

Take off the Ignition Switch

The ignition switch and the cylinder lock are two distinct components of the electrical system in your car. Although they might appear identical, they can be replaced or repaired independently of one another. The switch is electrical and supplies energy to your vehicle. The cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key slides 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, making it hard or impossible to pull or insert your key. If you find that your key is damaged and isn't turning the way you want it to, the best option is to get the wafers in it replaced or smoothed by an experienced locksmith.

Based on the model of your car it could have an anchor bolt or screw that holds the switch in place, and removing this will expose the cylinder of ignition. Consult your vehicle's manual before you attempt this at home. It can be dangerous and result in damage to the steering column or plastic covers. Additionally, the switch is bundled with wiring for airbags and tampering with it can result in serious injury.

To remove the ignition coil, you will have to remove it using the help of a drill. It is also possible to use pliers however, it is more difficult. Once the ignition cylinder is removed, you can purchase a new one from your local auto shop.

You'll require all the wires connected to the electrical connector on the steering column to test its operation. It is usually easier to disconnect the battery, and then remove the ignition key and start the car. Once the ignition is working then you can connect the battery and test it again. If it's still not starting it is necessary to have the immobilizer system reset by a dealer or service technician. This is a lengthy procedure that should be handled by an expert.

Install 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 is inserted into the lock cylinder to start the process, but the pins and wafers inside the cylinder can wear down over time. It could be difficult or impossible to start your vehicle in the event that the cylinder is stuck.

If the key in your car won't turn, it's likely the cylinder that controls ignition has damaged and requires replacement. A skilled locksmith can replace the cylinder using a similar one, meaning that your new key will work with the old ignition switch and will still be capable of activating the engine's start-up signal.

To take off the lock you need to press the release pin at the bottom of your assembly and remove the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder won't slide out, you can try pressing in the release pin or using an anti-rotation button on the front of the cylinder. You could also try pushing down on the cylinder with your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to see if you can get it out.

Once you've removed your old cylinder, install your new one and turn on the vehicle to check whether it's working. If so, you can connect the trim pieces you removed to access the cylinder. Then, you can go through the relearning process to connect the new keys.

Although the cylinder lock in the ignition isn't as crucial to the functioning of your car as it was in the past but there are still situations where you may need to replace it. It is essential to talk to a professional, like an automotive locksmith or a dealership for cars, to ensure that the task is done in a safe manner without causing harm to the steering column plastic covers or other components in your vehicle. It's also crucial to ensure that the new ignition cylinder is properly encoded so that your vehicle can recognize it as a genuine key. In the majority of cases this will require a dealership or other professional to carry out the relearn.