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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. In contrast to the switch which is the electrical component of the ignition system, which sends energy to the engine of your car The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into. Over time over time, these “wafer” tumblers will wear out or break. Using WD-40 or graphite could temporarily solve the issue, but replacement is the only way to fix it permanently. Eliminating 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 older lock cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be necessary to replace it to start the car. This is a task that should be left to experts. With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners holding the trim panels that cover the lower and upper steering column. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column. On the side of the steering column that is closest to the driver, you'll see an Allen head bolt that pins the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Depending on the year of your car, it could have 3 or 4 small flat head screws that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside. In order to get at the lock cylinder, one will have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. You can either use a special tool to do this or ghetto it with a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. Locksmiths are also able to use the shear bolt removal kit. If G28 Car Keys isn't able to be put into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to release the pin on the lock cylinder. A locksmith can employ the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder, or they can make use of a torch to slit the pin and then shave it down to take it off. They can re-key the ignition cylinder to ensure it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on the purchase of a new ignition. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical device that houses and locks the key to your car. The cylinder is fitted to the key and “reads” the anti-theft codes to permit or block the start of your vehicle. Over time the cylinder wears out. It may be bent or broken. If this happens, the cylinder will need to be replaced to allow your vehicle to start. A damaged or worn-out cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position or RUN or a warning lamp to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, you can try using it in the lock. You could try using graphite or WD-40 to adjust the cylinder's settings, but this is only effective for a limited time. Replace the ignition cylinder if you have a replacement key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely placed into the steering column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Refer to the car's manual or an expert to confirm that the cylinder is aligned correctly. After the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. Listen for a click that indicates the ignition switch is fully seated inside the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will be required to go through the anti-theft relearn process to program the new ignition cylinder to your key. Some experts recommend replacing the ignition cylinder since it is often required to deactivate the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely involve taking off and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is why it's best to leave this job to a professional mechanic with experience. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder in your car. They'll also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed by your key and that it starts correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Even though ignition lock cylinders are no longer as important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart systems older cars still use these cylinders. If your ignition switch or key seems to be stuck or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle it's possible that a damaged ignition lock cylinder could be the reason. It's easy to fix your car's issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock. The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system which is inserted 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 are two distinct components. The switch is an electrical component that connects with your car's computer system to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key. Pins on ignition lock cylinders move upwards and downwards, permitting your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and key creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these tiny movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder. The first indication of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. The key could be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that the ignition lock cylinder must be replaced as soon as it is possible. Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it's something that should be done by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only if you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your car can help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and in a location that is convenient for you. Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that is fitted to your key and permits it to turn and start your car. It's located inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to permit key turning. The ignition lock cylinder is prone to wear and may eventually fail, causing problems with powering your vehicle or making it hard to remove and insert the key. Some of the most common indications that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty in starting it, or areas where the key becomes stuck when you turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder has worn down and requires replacement. You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an impending failure. As the cylinder ages it may be damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down and break, preventing the ignition of your car from working. In some cases, the ignition will still function if you jerk it around but this could be a indication that something is wrong. You can check the cylinder's ignition to see whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to see if there is any voltage. If you do not find any, then the switch and module are likely to require replacement. It is recommended to hire an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, since it can cost between $200 to $300. It can be complicated due to the fact that you may need to remove other components such as the steering column, to reach the ignition cylinder. Depending on your vehicle the procedure for replacing it may also require disabling the airbag system, and you'll need to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This is usually handled by an agent. However, you can do it yourself if have the proper tools and instructions.