lightturtle1

How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's ignition key will not turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. In contrast to the switch which is the electrical part of the ignition system that sends energy to the engine of your car the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key slides into. Over time over time, these “wafer” tumblers will wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite can temporarily solve the problem, but replacing the tumblers is the only option. Removing the Steering Column Modern cars do not have a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of a key to start the car by pressing and turning an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This modern system is simpler and more efficient than the old lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this part fails, it may be required to replace it to start the car. This is a job that should be left to professionals. With a screwdriver, take out the screws that hold the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering column. This will allow you access to the area around your steering column. On the side of the steering column that is closest to the driver, you will see an Allen head bolt that pins the signal and wiper assembly to the column. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have 3 or 4 small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch. Remove these screws and set them aside. To get to the lock cylinder, you'll have to take off the wiper/signal unit. This requires the use of a specially designed tool or you can ghetto perform the task using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit. If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. You can either contact a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to depress the pin of the lock cylinder. A locksmith can employ a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder or they can make use of a torch to cut the pin, then shave it down to take it off. They can change the cylinder's key to match your current keys and save you the cost of a new ignition cylinder. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical device that is used to house and lock the key of your car. The cylinder is fitted to the key and “reads” the anti-theft codes to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. As time passes the cylinder wears out. It may be bent or broken. If this happens, the cylinder will need to be replaced to allow your car to start. The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder include problems with turning the key, or with the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have an extra, put it in the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a limited period of time. If you've got a new key you can replace the ignition cylinder and follow the instructions above to install it. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure that it is properly seated into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. If you're not sure about the correct alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an expert. Once the cylinder is in, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. You should hear a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully set in the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will need to follow the anti theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder to your key. Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to deactivate the airbag in the steering column in order to access the cylinder. In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve taking off and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why you should leave this job to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to remove the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also be able to make sure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with 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 technology, older vehicles still have these cylinders. If car ignition system repair seems to be stuck, or you're having difficulty starting your car, a defective ignition lock cylinder could be to blame. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and fix the problem. The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. Many people confuse the term “ignition switch” with the ignition cylinder, they're two distinct components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to the computer in your car and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the ignition key. The ignition lock cylinders have pins that move up and down to allow your key to slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and the key creates a small amount of friction that keeps the key in place but in time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, the key of your car won't be able slide into or turn the cylinder. A damaged ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. However, the key may become stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder. These are all signs that the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it is something that should be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only when you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself it is possible to have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the work for you at a convenient time and location. Test the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical device that fits your key to allow it to turn and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to permit the key to turn. The ignition lock cylinder may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with the vehicle's power supply or make it difficult to remove and insert keys. The most obvious indicators that a lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting your vehicle or finding locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These problems usually mean that the cylinder has damaged and needs replacement. You might even notice a warning light flashing on your dashboard, signalling the possibility of a failure. As the cylinder gets older, it may be damaged due to wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to wear down and break or damage, preventing the ignition of your car from working. The ignition may still work in some cases if you move it around. However, this could indicate that something is wrong. You can check the cylinder's ignition to determine whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, it is possible to probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's voltage. If you don't find any voltage then the switch and module will likely need to be replaced. It's best to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder as it can cost anywhere between $200 to $300. It's not easy because you may have to remove other components like the steering column, in order to get to the ignition cylinder. Based on the vehicle you have, the replacement procedure can also require you to disable the airbag system, and you'll need change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This can be done at an authorized dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself by using the appropriate tools and directions.