Why You Should Focus On Making Improvements To Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair
Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair
The ignition cylinder lock allows the key to be turned in order for the car to begin. It is controlled by a chamber with springs which can be damaged by environmental factors such as low or high temperatures.
If your ignition switch or key won't turn, this could indicate that the cylinder of your lock is broken and needs to be replaced. This task should be left to a professional auto locksmith.
Remove the Steering Column Covers
Ignition lock-cylinders are mechanical parts that allow a key into the ignition switch to be turned to turn off the vehicle. They may wear out or fail in different ways, like the key being put in too hard or in the proper position. They may also fail due to corrosion or other reasons. If your ignition cylinder doesn't seem to be turning it's time to replace it. This is a straightforward task however, you'll need to remove the steering column cover and the airbag cover. The process is dangerous and can be difficult. It may also require specialized tools for the replacement cylinder.
The ignition cylinder is in the middle of the column, where the steering wheel attaches. It has two screws at the bottom and a clip on the side to hold it in place. It's important to remove them before you begin working on the cylinder so it doesn't break and become lost.
After you have the screws removed, you can pull the plastic retainers out of the lower part of the cover. A metal retainer clips into the top cover to hold it in position. You may have to pry off the cover to remove the tabs on the bottom.
You can break these off by removing the retaining screw and then bending the tab outward. If the tab has been damaged completely you can replace it with a piece perforated strapping made of metal that is available at many hardware shops. You'll need U-clips to attach the new "tab" at the bottom. These can be purchased at any automotive parts store.
After the tabs made of plastic are removed and the airbag cover is pulled back, you can access the cylinder hole in the ignition. You can unlock the ignition lock using the Allen wrench 1/16-inch and push the retaining bolt for the cylinder. You can then pull out the cylinder. You may have to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.
Remove the Ignition Cylinder
Although a majority of automobiles are now equipped with push-to-start, there remain some cars on the market that require an ignition lock. This cylindrical, mechanical part is located inside the electrically powered device called the ignition switch. It locks the ignition and "reads" anti-theft coding within the car key to allow it to turn on.
If your car is showing signs of a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder, it may be time to call an auto locksmith for assistance. A damaged cylinder could cause numerous issues, including absence of power from the engine as well as problems with inserting and removing the key. Keys that are damaged by wear can cause damage to wafer tumblers that let the ignition cylinder to turn. This can cause a jam and prevents the vehicle from starting.
Depending on the brand and model of your vehicle The ignition cover can be attached by either a screw or clip. With a screwdriver, loosen the screw, then slide the cover off to reveal the cylinder that locks the ignition. It is typically a metal cylinder about the size one quarter.
To remove the cylinder, you'll need to drill out the pin that holds it in place. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the key slot and drill directly into the cylinder until it is broken. Then, take the cylinder out and replace it.
You'll need to consult your service manual for specific steps to remove the ignition cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed, you are now able to install your new ignition switch.
You'll first need to replace the steering column covers. Two screws are required to hold the lock assembly in place. After that, the installation of your new ignition cylinder is likely to be fairly simple.
Take out the Ignition Switch
The ignition switch and the cylinder lock are two different parts of the electrical system in your car. Although they might appear similar, you can repair or replace them separately. The switch is the electrical portion that sends power to the vehicle while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into. Generally, you will be able to tell the ignition cylinder is not working due to its inability to turn your key.
If the cylinder fails, the pins inside the tumbler could wear out which makes it difficult or impossible to insert or remove your key. If you notice your key is deteriorating and isn't turning anymore, it's best to have the wafers inside it replaced or smoothed out by a professional locksmith.
The ignition cylinder is exposed by removal of the bolt or screw depending on the model of your vehicle. It is important to read the manual for your vehicle before trying this at home, since it can be hazardous and damage the steering column as well as the plastic covers. The switch is also connected with the airbag wiring. Tampering with it can cause serious injuries.
To remove the ignition coil, you'll need to loosen it with the aid of a drill. You can also use pliers remove the cylinder from the assembly, but this is often more difficult than using a screwdriver. After the ignition cylinder has been removed, you can buy a new one from your local auto shop.
After installing the new ignition cylinder you'll need to reconnect all of the wires to the electrical connection inside the steering column and test the function. It's usually easiest to disconnect the battery first, then remove the key from the ignition and start the engine. Once the ignition is working it's time to reconnect the battery and try it again. If your vehicle is still unable to start, you'll need to have your immobilizer system reset. This can be done by a dealer or an automotive service technician. This can be a complex procedure, and is better left to a professional with certification.
Reinstall the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition switch in your car transmits an alert to the car's engine that it's time to start up. The key is inserted into a lock cylinder to start the process, but the wafers and pins inside the cylinder could wear out over time. It may be difficult or impossible to start your vehicle in the event that the cylinder is stuck.
If your car's key won't turn, it's likely that the cylinder for ignition is damaged and requires replacement. A locksmith can replace the cylinder in your ignition with a replacement so that your key can still work with your existing ignition switch.
To remove the old lock you need to press the release pin at the bottom of your assembly and remove the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder doesn't slide out, try pushing on the release pin once more or using a screwdriver to press an anti-rotation small button underneath the cylinder's surface.
car ignition locked can also try pushing in on the cylinder using your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to see if you can force it out.
Install the new cylinder and test it by turning on the vehicle. If it's working then you can connect any trim pieces that you removed to access the cylinder. You can then follow an anti-theft procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle.
The ignition cylinder lock may not be as important to the performance of your car as it was in the past, but there are still situations that require you to replace it. It's important to consult a professional such as an automotive locksmith or car dealer, to ensure the task is completed correctly without any damage to the steering column plastic covers or other parts in your vehicle. It's important to make sure that the new ignition is coded correctly so that your car can recognize it as an authentic key. This will usually require an expert or a dealer to carry out this relearning.