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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's key won't turn and it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key can slide into, in contrast to the switch which is an electrical component of the ignition system. Over time, “wafers” can break or wear out. The use of WD-40 or graphite could temporarily solve the issue but replacement is the only permanent solution. Removing the Steering Column Modern cars do not utilize a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they have keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning a switch on the dash panel. This modern system is simpler and more effective than the older lock cylinder method. However, there are some older cars that still use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it in order to start the car. This is a task that should be handled by professionals. Utilizing a screwdriver, you can remove the screws that hold the trim panels covering the lower and upper parts of the steering column. ignition repair cost will allow you access to the area around your steering column. You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver that keeps the signal unit and wiper in the correct position. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may find 3 or 4 small screws with flat heads that keep the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside. To access the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. You can use a special tool to do this or ghetto it with a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of an instrument to remove bolts. If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. Try inserting the key and moving it to the ACC position to release the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can contact a locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to employ a shear cylinder removing tool or they can cut the pin off of the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They can also re-key your ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on the purchase of a new ignition. Replace the Ignition Cylinder The ignition Cylinder is the mechanical cylinder that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and fits your key to turn on or off your vehicle. The cylinder can wear down over time. It can be bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will have to be replaced in order for your vehicle to begin. A worn or broken cylinder can cause problems turning the key, or causing the ignition switch will not move into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning lamp to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, consider using it inside the lock. You may be able use graphite or WD-40 to tweak the cylinder however, this is only for a brief period of time. Replace the ignition cylinder if have an additional key. Follow the steps 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 the keyway on the shroud. Check the manual of your car or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is properly aligned. After the cylinder is installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully seated within the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you'll have to go through the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder to program it to your key. Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace your ignition cylinder. This is because it is often necessary to disable the airbag on the steering column in order for access to the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require removing the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is a job best left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able to remove the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder in your car. They'll also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed by your key and that it starts correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles because of advancements in push-to-start and remote start systems, they're widespread on older cars. If your ignition switch or key seems to be stuck or you're having difficulty starting your car the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could be the cause. It's easy to fix your car's issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock. The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component of the system that connects to the ignition switch of your car and provides power to rest the engine. While many people confuse the phrase “ignition switch” with the ignition cylinder, they're two distinct components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to turn on the motor when you turn the key. Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move up and down to allow your key to slide into and rotate within the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates a little friction that keeps the key in place but over time, these small movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, your car's key 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 can also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or remove from the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder must be replaced as soon as is possible. Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it's an undertaking that should be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only if you're able to follow the right procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle. You can complete the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair manual for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder on your own, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics perform the repair for you at a time and place that is convenient for you. Test the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that is fitted to your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It is placed inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition, and reads the anti-theft number to authorize key turning. The ignition lock cylinder is prone to wear and eventually fail, leading to problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to remove and insert the key. The most obvious signs that a car's lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting your car or locating positions where the key gets stuck when you attempt to turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder is damaged and needs replacement. You might even notice an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling the possibility of a failure. As the cylinder gets older, it can become damaged by corrosion or simply wear and tear. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down, damage or break, preventing your car's ignition from unlocking. The ignition may still work in some cases if you move it around. However this could indicate that something is not right. You can check the cylinder's ignition to determine whether it's worn-out or if the key is bent or damaged. You can use a multimeter to check if there's voltage between the red wire of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't find any voltage, the switch and module probably need to be replaced. It is best to engage an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder as it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. It can be complicated because you may have to remove other components, such as the steering column, to reach the ignition cylinder. Depending on your vehicle the replacement process may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you'll have to reprogramme your key to work with the new cylinder. It's usually done by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if have the proper tools and instructions.