Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

· 6 min read
Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair

The ignition cylinder lock is responsible for allowing the key to turn and start the car. It is controlled by a chamber containing springs that can be damaged due to environmental conditions like high or low temperatures.

If your ignition switch or key isn't able to turn, this could be a sign that the lock cylinder is damaged and requires to be replaced. This is a task best left to a professional auto locksmith.

Take off the Steering Column Covers

Ignition lock-cylinders, or ignition lock-cylinders, are mechanical devices that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to start an automobile. They are prone to wear out and malfunction for many reasons, including if the key is inserted too forcefully or in the wrong position. They can also fail due to corrosion, and other causes. If your ignition cylinder isn't working it's time to replace it. You can do this yourself however it's a job that requires removing the steering column covers and the airbag cover. This is a risky process and may be challenging. It may also require special tools to the replacement cylinder.



The ignition cylinder is situated in the middle of the column to which the steering wheel is attached. The clip and two screws located at the bottom of the cylinder hold it in position. Remove these screws before you start working on the cylinder to stop it from slipping out and becoming lost.

Once you have the screws removed, you can take the plastic retainers out of the bottom of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips onto the top of the cover to hold it in position. It is possible to pull off the cover to remove the tabs on the bottom.

You can break these off by removing the retaining screw and bending the tab outward. If the tab is damaged completely, you can replace it with a perforated piece of metal strapping available at most hardware shops. You'll need U-clips for attaching the new "tab" at 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 will be able to access the hole for the ignition cylinder. You can unlock the ignition lock using the 1/16-inch Allen wrench and push the cylinder retaining bolt. Then, you can remove the cylinder. It may be necessary to replace it with a specially designed cylinder for an anti-theft system.

Take off the Ignition Cylinder

Despite the fact that a lot of vehicles are now equipped with push-to-start, there are still some cars on the market that require an ignition lock. This cylinder, which is mechanical, is located inside the electrically-powered component referred to as the "ignition switch", which locks the ignition, and "reads' anti-theft codes within the car key before allowing it to start.

If your car is showing signs of a failing ignition lock cylinder, it may be time to contact an auto locksmith to get help. A malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could cause a variety of issues, including a lack in power from the engine, and difficulty in inserting or taking out keys. Worn keys can damage wafer tumblers that let the ignition cylinder turn. This causes an obstruction and stops the vehicle from starting.

Depending on the make and model of your car, the ignition cover may be secured by either a screw or clip. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw and then slide off the cover to reveal the cylinder that locks the ignition. It's usually a metal cylinder that's roughly the size of one quarter.

To take the cylinder off, you will need to drill the pin that holds it. Make use of a drill that's slightly larger than the key slot and drill straight into the cylinder until it breaks free. Then, you'll be able to take the cylinder off and replace it with a replacement.

You'll need to consult your service manual to find out the exact steps to take to remove the ignition cylinder. Once the cylinder has been removed, you are able to install your new ignition switch.

You'll first need to replace the covers for the steering column. You'll also need to tighten two screws on top of the lock assembly to keep it in place. Once you've completed this the installation of your new ignition cylinder shouldn't prove to be too difficult.

Take off the Ignition Switch

The ignition cylinder and the switch are separate components of the electrical system in your vehicle. Although they may look like they do, you can fix or replace them separately. The switch is electrical and provides energy to your vehicle. The cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key slides into. You can tell when the ignition cylinder has failed by the inability to turn your key.

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

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 ignition cylinder. Make sure to consult the manual for your car before you attempt this at home. It could be hazardous and cause damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. The switch is also bundled with the airbag wiring. Tampering with it can cause serious injuries.

To remove the ignition cylinder it is necessary to use an instrument to loosen it. You can also use pliers remove it from the rest of the assembly however, this is typically more difficult than using a screwdriver. 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 operation.  car ignition cylinder replacement 's usually simpler to disconnect the battery, and then remove the ignition key and then start the car. Once the ignition is working it's time to reconnect the battery and try it again. If the car still doesn't turn on, you'll require having the immobilizer reset. This can be accomplished by a dealer or an automotive service technician. This can be a complex procedure, so it's best left to a certified professional.

Reinstall the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition switch in your vehicle sends out an alert to the engine it's time for it to begin. The key is then inserted into a lock-cylinder to initiate this process. However the pins and waxes inside the cylinder may get worn out over time. This could make it difficult to turn on your car, or even impossible if the cylinder becomes stuck.

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

To remove the lock you need to press the release pin that is located at the bottom of the 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 depress the small anti-rotation button under the cylinder's surface. You can also push down on the cylinder by turning the key to the ACC position, or attach an accessory to push it out.

Install the new cylinder and test it by turning the car on. If it's working, connect the trim pieces that you removed to get to the cylinder. After that, you can begin a relearning procedure to connect the new keys.

The ignition cylinder lock may not be as crucial to the functioning of your car as it was in the past however there are situations that require you to replace it. Consult a professional such as an locksmith or dealer in the automotive industry to ensure that the job is completed without damaging the steering column's plastic or other components of your vehicle. It's also crucial to ensure that the new ignition cylinder is correctly coded to ensure that your vehicle recognizes it as an authentic key. This typically requires an expert or a dealer to carry out this relearning.