Ten Things Your Competitors Teach You 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 works through springs and chambers which may be damaged by environmental conditions like low or high temperatures.

If your ignition switch or key won't move, it could be a sign that the cylinder of your lock is damaged and must be replaced. It is recommended to leave the job to an expert automotive locksmith.

Remove the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock-cylinders are mechanical components that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to turn off the vehicle. They are prone to be damaged and fail due to a number of reasons, for instance when 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 isn't functioning. This is a straightforward task but you'll have to remove the cover of the steering column and airbag cover. This is a risky process and may be challenging. It may also require special tools for the replacement cylinder.

The ignition cylinder is located in the middle of the column where the steering wheel attaches. It has two screws on the bottom and an attachment clip on the side to hold it in place. Take these screws off prior to working on the cylinder in order to prevent 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 to the top of the cover to hold it in position. You may have to pry off the cover in order to remove the tabs on the bottom.

You can break them off by removing the screw that holds them and bending the tab slightly outward. If the tab has damaged completely, it can be replaced by a piece of perforated metal strapping that's found at most hardware stores. You'll require U-clips to secure the new "tab" at the bottom. They can be bought from any automotive parts shop.

After removing the tabs made of plastic and pulling back the airbag cover, it is now possible to access the ignition cylinder. You can open the ignition lock by using the 1/16-inch Allen wrench and pull the retaining bolt of the cylinder. Then, you'll be able to pull the cylinder away. It is possible to replace it with a specific one for an anti-theft system.

Take off the Ignition Cylinder

Although many newer vehicles have switched to push-to-start systems, there are still a good number of cars on the road that require an ignition lock cylinder. This mechanical cylinder is housed inside the electrically powered device known as the ignition switch. It locks the ignition and "reads" anti-theft coding within the car key so that it can start.

It may be time to contact an auto locksmith if your vehicle is showing signs of a broken lock cylinder. A malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could cause a variety of issues, including the absence of power from the engine, and difficulties in inserting or removing keys. Keys that are worn out can damage wafer tumblers, which let the ignition cylinder to turn. This can cause a blockage and stops the vehicle from getting started.

Based on the model and make the cover for your ignition switch may be held on by a screw or clip. Utilizing a screwdriver to loosen the screw, then remove the cover to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. It is typically a metal cylinder about the size a quarter.

To remove car ignition locked , you must drill the pin that holds it. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the slot that holds the key and then drill through it until the cylinder breaks free. You'll then be able to remove the cylinder and replace it with a replacement.

The exact process for removing the ignition cylinder is different for each manufacturer, so you'll need to review the service manual to determine what steps are required. After the cylinder is removed, you can then install your new ignition switch.


Before you can do that, you'll need to reinstall the steering column covers. You'll also need to tighten two screws on the top of the lock assembly that hold it in place. Once you've done this installing your new ignition cylinder shouldn't be too difficult.

Take off the Ignition Switch

The ignition cylinder lock and switch are two distinct components of your car's electrical system. Although they may look identical, you can repair or replace them separately. The switch is the electronic component that sends power to the vehicle, while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into. Generally, you can detect that the ignition cylinder is failing by its inability to turn the key.

When the cylinder fails the pins in the tumbler can wear out, making it difficult or impossible to pull or insert your key. If you notice that your key is damaged and isn't turning anymore it's recommended that you have the wafers in it replaced or smoothed by professional locksmiths.

The ignition cylinder is exposed by removal of the bolt or screw, depending on the make of your vehicle. Consult your vehicle's manual before attempting this at home. It can be dangerous and result in damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. The switch is also connected with the wiring for airbags. Making a mistake with it could cause serious injury.

To take the ignition cylinder out it is necessary to use drills to loosen it. It is also possible to use pliers, but it can be more difficult. Once the ignition cylinder is loose, you can replace it with a brand new one at your local auto shop.

After installing the new ignition cylinder, you'll have to connect all of the wires to the electrical connections in the steering column and test it to ensure that it functions properly. It's usually easiest to disconnect the battery first, then disconnect the ignition key and then start the engine. The battery can be reconnected after the ignition has been activated. If it still won't start, you'll need to reset the immobilizer system by a dealer or service technician. This is a complex procedure that should be handled by professionals.

Install the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your car sends an alert to the car's engine that it's time for it to start. The key is then inserted into a lock-cylinder to initiate this process. However, the pins and waxes in the cylinder can wear away over time. This can make it difficult to turn your car on, or even impossible if the cylinder becomes stuck.

If your key doesn't turn on the ignition, it is likely that it's time to get replaced. A skilled locksmith can replace the cylinder using a similar one, so the new key will work with the original ignition switch, and will be able to trigger the engine's startup signal.

To remove the lock cylinder that was previously in use simply push it in to the release pin at the bottom of the assembly, and slide the cylinder out from its housing. If the cylinder doesn't slide out, try pushing in on the release pin a second time or using a screwdriver, you can press a small anti-rotation button beneath the cylinder's surface. You 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.

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

Although the cylinder lock in the ignition isn't as crucial to the functionality of your car as it was in the past however, there are many scenarios where you'll require replacing it. Consult a professional such as an automotive dealer or locksmith to ensure that the job is done without damaging the steering column's plastic or other components of your vehicle. It's important to make sure that the new ignition is correctly coded so that your car can recognize it as a genuine key. In most cases this will require a dealer or a professional to do the relearn.