10 Facts About Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair That Will Instantly Get You Into A Great Mood Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

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

If your ignition switch or key won't turn, this could be a sign that the cylinder of your lock is damaged and requires to be replaced. It is best to leave the job to an expert locksmith for your automobile.

Take off the covers of the steering column.

Ignition lock cylinders are the mechanical parts that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch and turned to start the vehicle. They can wear out or malfunction in a variety of ways, such as keys being inserted too hard or not in the correct position. They can also break down and fail due to corrosion or other reasons. If your ignition cylinder isn't working, it's probably time to replace it. This is a straightforward task, but you'll need to take off the steering column cover and airbag cover. The process can be dangerous and difficult and the replacement engine may require specialized tools to install.

The ignition cylinder is situated in the middle of the column to which the steering wheel attaches. The clip and two screws at the bottom secure the cylinder in position. Take these screws off prior to working on the cylinder to prevent it from slipping out and getting lost.

After the screws are removed, you can take off the plastic retainers at the bottom of the cover. A metal retainer is inserted into the top of the cover to hold it in position. You may need to pry off the cover to take out the tabs on the bottom.

You can cut them off by removing the retaining screw and bending the tab outward. If the tab has been damaged completely it can be replaced by using a piece of perforated metal strapping available at most hardware shops. You'll also need some U-clips to attach the new bottom "tab," and these can be purchased from any auto parts store.

After removing the tabs of plastic and pulling back the airbag cover, it is now possible to access the ignition cylinder. With the 1/16-inch allen wrench you can unlock the ignition lock and push down the cylinder retaining pin. You can then pull out the cylinder. It may be necessary to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.

Take off the Ignition Cylinder

Although many newer vehicles have switched to push-to-start systems, there's many cars on the road that need an ignition lock cylinder. This mechanical cylinder is housed inside the electrically powered part called the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and "reads" the anti-theft code inside the car key to allow it to turn on.

It could be the right time to contact an auto locksmith if your car is showing signs of a broken lock cylinder. A damaged cylinder could cause several problems, including a lack of power from the engine, as well as issues when it comes to inserting and removing the key. Keys that are damaged by wear can cause damage to wafer tumblers, which allow the cylinder to turn. G28 Car Keys can cause an obstruction and stops the vehicle from getting started.

Depending on the model and the make, the ignition switch cover could be secured by clips or screws. By using a screwdriver, loosen up the screw, then slide the cover off to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. This is usually a metal cylinder about the size a quarter.

To remove the cylinder you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the slot for the key and drill straight into it until the cylinder breaks free. You'll then be able to pull the cylinder out and replace it with a new.

You'll need to check your service manual to find out the exact steps to remove the ignition cylinder. Once you have the cylinder removed, you can install the new ignition switch.

Before you can do that you'll need to replace the steering column covers. Two screws are needed to secure the lock assembly in place. After you've done that installing your new ignition cylinder shouldn't be that difficult.

Take off the Ignition Switch


The ignition switch and cylinder are distinct components of the electrical system in your car. Although they appear like they are, they can be replaced or repaired separately from one another. The switch is electric and provides power to your vehicle. The cylinder is a mechanical tumbler which your key can slide into. You can tell if the ignition cylinder is damaged by its inability turn your key.

When the cylinder fails, the pins inside the tumbler may wear out, making it difficult or impossible to pull out or insert your key. If you notice your key is worn out and won't turn it's recommended that you have the wafers inside it replaced or smoothed out by an expert locksmith.

The ignition cylinder is uncovered by taking off the bolt or screw depending on the make of the vehicle you're using. Check the manual of your vehicle before you attempt this at home. It can be dangerous and result in damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. Additionally the switch is linked with wiring for airbags and any interference with this could cause serious injuries.

To remove the ignition coil, you will need to loosen it with the help of a drill. You can also use pliers to disengage the cylinder from the assembly however this is usually more difficult than using the screwdriver. After the ignition cylinder has been removed, you can purchase a new one from your local auto shop.

After installing the new ignition cylinder, you'll need to connect all of the wires to the electrical connection inside the steering column, and then test the function. It's best to disconnect the battery first, then disconnect the ignition key and then start the engine. It is possible to reconnect the battery after the ignition has been activated. If your vehicle is still unable to turn on, you'll need to have your immobilizer system reset. This can be done by a dealer or automotive service technician. This can be a complex procedure and should be left to a professional with certification.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch on your car sends an alert to the engine it's time to begin. The key is inserted into a lock cylinder to trigger this process, but the wafers and pins inside the cylinder may wear out over time. This could make it difficult to turn your car on, or even impossible if your cylinder gets stuck.

If your key doesn't turn on the ignition, it is likely that it needs to be replaced. A locksmith can replace the cylinder in your ignition with a comparable one, so that your key will continue to function with your existing ignition switch.

To take out the old lock cylinder, push in on the release pin located at the bottom of the assembly, and lift the cylinder out of its housing. If the cylinder isn't sliding out, try pushing on the release pin again or using a screwdriver to press an anti-rotation small button underneath the cylinder's surface. You may also try pushing in on the cylinder using your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to try and push it out.

Once you've removed the old cylinder, install your new one and turn on the vehicle to make sure whether it's working. If it's not then you can connect any trim pieces that were removed to gain access to the cylinder and apply an anti-theft relearning procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle.

The ignition cylinder lock may not be as crucial to the functionality of your vehicle as it used to be however there are instances when it is necessary to replace it. It's important to consult an expert, such as an automotive locksmith or dealership for cars to ensure that the job is completed correctly without any damage to the steering column's plastic covers or other parts in your vehicle. It's also important to ensure that the new ignition cylinder has been correctly encoded so that your vehicle recognizes it as a genuine key. In most instances this, it will require a dealer or a professional to do the relearn.