Watch Out: How Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It

Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair The ignition cylinder lock allows the key to be turned in order for the car to start. It operates through a chamber and springs that may be damaged by environmental conditions like low or high temperatures. If your ignition switch, key or both will not turn, it could mean that the lock's cylinder has to be replaced. It is recommended to leave the job to an expert automotive locksmith. Take off the Steering Column Covers Ignition lock cylinders are mechanical parts that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch and then turned to turn on a car. They may wear out or fail in various ways, like the key being inserted too hard or not in the correct place. They may also fail due to corrosion, and other reasons. It's time to replace your ignition cylinder if you notice it's not functioning. You can do this yourself however, it's a task which requires you to remove the steering column covers and the airbag cover. This process can be risky and complicated and the replacement cylinder may require special tools to install. The ignition cylinder is located in the middle column where the steering wheel is mounted. It has two screws on the bottom and an attachment clip on the side to hold it in place. Take these screws off before you start working on the cylinder in order to prevent it from falling off and becoming lost. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the plastic retainers out of the lower part of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips onto the top of the cover to keep it in place. It is possible to pull off the cover to remove the lower tabs. These can be broken off by taking off one of the retaining screws and then bending the tab a bit. If the tab has been damaged completely you can replace it by using a piece of perforated metal strapping that can be found in most hardware shops. You'll require U-clips to secure the new “tab” at the bottom. They can be bought at any automotive parts store. After removing the plastic tabs and removing the airbag cover, you will be able to access the ignition cylinder. With the 1/16-inch allen wrench to open the ignition lock and push on the cylinder retaining pin. Then, you can remove the cylinder. You may need to replace it with a specially designed cylinder to protect against theft. Remove the Ignition Cylinder Despite the fact that a lot of vehicles are now equipped with push-to-start, there remain some vehicles on the market that require an ignition lock. This cylindrical, mechanical component is contained within the electrically powered component called the ignition switch. It locks the ignition and “reads” anti-theft codes within the car key to allow it to turn on. It's time to call an auto locksmith if the vehicle shows signs of a failing lock cylinder. A damaged ignition lock cylinder can cause a variety of issues, including the absence of power from the engine and difficulty inserting or removing keys. Worn keys can damage wafer tumblers that let the cylinder to turn. This causes a jam and prevents the vehicle from beginning. Based on the model and the make the cover for your ignition switch may be held on by clips or screws. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw and then slide off the cover, revealing the cylinder for ignition lock. This is typically a metal cylinder, which is about the size of the size of a quarter. To take the cylinder off, you will need to drill the pin that holds it. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the slot for the key and then drill straight into it until the cylinder breaks free. Then, you can remove the cylinder and then replace it. You'll need to check your service manual for specific steps to remove the ignition cylinder. After the cylinder is removed, you can install your new ignition switch. You'll first need to replace the steering column covers. Two screws are needed to secure the lock assembly in place. Once you've done this, installing your new ignition cylinder will be fairly simple. Take off the Ignition Switch The ignition cylinder lock and switch are two different parts of your car's electrical system. Although they may look identical, you can repair or replace them on your own. The switch is electrical and sends energy to your vehicle. The cylinder is a mechanical tumbler that your key slides into. Generally, you will be able to detect that the ignition cylinder is not working properly due to its inability to turn your key. When the cylinder is damaged, the pins inside the tumbler could wear out which makes it difficult or impossible to insert or pull out your key. If you find that your key is worn and won't turn, your best bet is to have the wafers inside it replaced or smoothed by an experienced locksmith. The ignition cylinder is uncovered by removing the screw or bolt, depending on the make of your vehicle. Check car key ignition replacement near me of your vehicle before making the attempt at home. It can be dangerous and cause damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. The switch is also connected with the airbag wiring. If you mess with it, it could cause serious injuries. To take the ignition cylinder out it is necessary to use an instrument to loosen it. It is also possible to use pliers however it's more difficult. Once the ignition cylinder has been removed, you can buy an alternative one at your local auto shop. After installing the new ignition cylinder you'll have to connect all of the wires to the electrical connection inside the steering column and test it for proper function. It is usually simpler to disconnect the battery, and then remove the ignition key and then start the car. When the ignition is functioning, you can reconnect the battery and try it again. If it doesn't work it is necessary to have the immobilizer system reset by a dealer or service technician. This is a complex procedure that should be left to professionals. Install the Ignition Cylinder The ignition switch in your vehicle sends out an indication to the engine that it's time for it to start. The key is then inserted into a lock-cylinder in order to start this process. However, the pins and waxes inside the cylinder may get worn out over time. This could make it difficult to turn your car on, or even impossible if the cylinder gets stuck. If your key won't turn on the ignition, it is likely that it's time to get replaced. A locksmith can replace the cylinder in your ignition with a comparable one, so that your key can continue to function with your existing ignition switch. To take out the lock cylinder that was previously in use, push in on the release pin located at the base of the assembly and slide the cylinder out from its housing. If the cylinder is unable to move out, try pressing in the release pin or pressing a small anti-rotation button that is located underneath the face of the cylinder. You can also push in on the cylinder while adjusting the key to the ACC position or accessory to push it out. After you've removed the old cylinder, install your new one and then turn on the vehicle to make sure that it's working. If it's working, reconnect the trim pieces you removed to access the cylinder. Then, you can go through the relearning process to connect the new keys. The lock for the ignition cylinder may not be as crucial to the functioning of your car as it used to be but there are situations that require you to replace it. It is important to speak with an expert, such as an automotive locksmith or car dealership, to ensure that the job is done in a safe manner without causing any damage to the steering column's plastic covers or other components in your vehicle. It is essential to ensure that the new ignition is properly coded to ensure that your car recognizes it as a genuine key. This typically requires a professional or a dealer to do this relearning.