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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's keys will not turn or turn, it's time to replace the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch, which is the electrical component of the ignition system, which sends the power to the engine of your vehicle the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into. Over time they “wafer” tumblers will wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite can temporarily fix the issue however, replacing the tumblers is the only way to fix it. Removal of the Steering Column Modern cars do not use a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of keys to start the vehicle by pressing and turning an electronic switch located in the dashboard panel. This modern system works better and is much simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. Some older vehicles still employ the old lock cylinder. When this part fails, you might need to replace it in order to restart the vehicle. This is a job that should be left to professionals. Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower columns of the steering using the help of a screwdriver. This will allow access to the area around the steering column. On the side of the column that is closest to the driver, you will see an Allen head bolt that holds the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch. Unscrew these and set them aside. In order to get at the lock cylinder, you'll need to dismantle the wiper/signal assembly. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto to do it using the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of a bolt removal kit. If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. You can either contact locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to release the pin of the lock cylinder. A locksmith will be able to use a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder with an electric torch, and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They will be able to re-key the cylinder to match your existing keys and will save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and fits your key to allow you to start or stop your car. The cylinder wears down over time. It could be bent or broken. In this case you'll need to replace the cylinder to get your car started. A damaged or worn-out cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or causing the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You may be able use some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, however, this is only for a brief period of time. Replace the ignition cylinder if have an additional key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly fitted into the steering-column tube flange and aligned with keyway on the shroud. If you're not sure about the correct alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle's repair manual or an automotive expert. Once the cylinder is installed and the key is turned to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that indicates the ignition switch is fully installed in the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft device, you'll have to perform the anti-theft relearn process to program the new ignition cylinder with your key. Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder since it is usually required to deactivate the airbag inside the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. The replacement may require the removal of the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. Because of this, it is a task best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to take off the steering wheel cover and install a new ignition locking cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able to make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it starts correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although ignition lock cylinders are no longer as important in modern vehicles because of remote start and push-tostart systems, older vehicles still have them. If you're having trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is stuck it could be due to an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace the ignition lock cylinder, and then fix the issue. The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system which is inserted into the ignition switch of your vehicle and provides power to the rest of the engine. Many people confuse the phrase “ignition switch” with the ignition cylinder, they're actually two separate parts. The switch is an electronic component that connects to your car's computer system to send signals to start the engine when you turn the ignition key. Pins on ignition lock cylinders move up and down, permitting your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates friction that keeps the key in position. However, over time the wafer tumblers will wear out. If the tumblers wear down, the key of your car won't be able to slide into or turn the cylinder. The first sign of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in most cars. The key may also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as quickly as you can. It's easy to change the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if you are confident that you can follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific model and make. A full repair manual for your vehicle can help you get the job done quickly and correctly. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder on your own, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and location that's convenient to you. Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical component that is fitted to your key to permit it to turn and start your car. van ignition repair 's mounted inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft coding to authorize key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and eventually fail, causing problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to remove and insert the key. The main indicators that a lock cylinder is about be damaged is having trouble starting your vehicle or finding positions where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These issues are typically a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. In some instances, you might even notice an alert light on your dashboard that indicates an impending failure. As the cylinder ages it is likely to be damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and. This could cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear out, damage or even break, which could prevent your car's ignition from working. In certain instances, the ignition will still function if you jerk it into different positions, but this could be a sign that something could be wrong. You can check the cylinder's ignition to see whether it's worn out, or if the key is bent or damaged. You can test with a multimeter whether there is a voltage difference between the red wire of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't find any voltage, then the module and switch likely need replacing. It's best to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder, since it can cost between $200 and $300. The process is complicated by the fact that you might require removing other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. The replacement procedure may also require you to deactivate the airbag system and reprogramme your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This process is usually done by an authorized dealer however, you can also learn how to do it yourself using the appropriate tools and directions.