Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair The ignition cylinder lock allows the key to be turned and the car to start. It is controlled by a chamber containing springs that may be damaged due to environmental factors such as low or high temperatures. If your ignition switch, key or both will not turn, it could be an indication that the lock's cylinder needs to be replaced. It is recommended to leave this job to a professional automotive locksmith. Remove the steering column covers Ignition lock-cylinders are mechanical components that allow a key into the ignition switch to be turned to start the vehicle. They can fail or wear out in various ways, including the key being inserted too hard or not in the correct position. They may also break down and fail due to corrosion or other causes. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning, it's probably time to replace it. You can do it yourself, but it's a job which requires you to remove the covers on the steering column and the airbag cover. This is a risky process and can be difficult. It could also require special tools for the replacement cylinder. The ignition cylinder is found in the middle column where the steering wheel is positioned. It has two screws at the bottom and a clip on the side that holds it to the column. It is important to remove these screws before you begin working on the cylinder to ensure that it doesn't break and become lost. After the screws have been removed, you can take out the plastic retainers that are located at the bottom of the cover. A metal retainer clip into the top cover to hold it in position. You may need to pry the cover off the steering wheel to take off the lower plastic tabs. These can be broken off by taking out one of the retaining screws and bending the tab outward a bit. If car ignition lock cylinder is broken completely it can be replaced with a piece perforated strapping made of metal that is available at many hardware shops. You'll also require U-clips to attach the new bottom “tab,” and these can be sourced from any automotive parts shop. Once the plastic tabs are removed and the airbag cover has been pulled back, you will be able to access the ignition cylinder hole. You can unlock the ignition lock with the 1/16-inch Allen wrench and push the cylinder retaining bolt. Then, you can take the cylinder away. It may be necessary to replace it with a specific one for an anti-theft system. Take off the Ignition Cylinder Although a majority of vehicles now have push-to-start, there remain some vehicles on the market that require an ignition lock. This cylindrical, mechanical part is located inside the electrically-powered part referred to as the “ignition switch”, which locks the ignition, and “reads the anti-theft codes inside the car key before allowing it to start. If your car is showing signs of a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder, it could be time to contact an auto locksmith to get help. A faulty cylinder can cause numerous issues, including lack of power to the engine and issues with inserting and taking out the key. Keys that are damaged by wear can affect the wafer tumblers that allow for the ignition cylinder to rotate, leading to a jam that prevents your vehicle from starting. Depending on your make and model the cover of your ignition switch may be held on by clips or screws. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw and slide off the cover to expose the cylinder for ignition lock. It's typically a steel cylinder approximately the size of a quarter. To remove the cylinder, you'll need to drill out the pin that holds it in place. Make use of a drill bit that is slightly larger than the key slot and drill directly into the cylinder until it breaks free. You'll then be able to remove the cylinder and replace it with a new. You'll need to refer to your service manual to find out the exact steps to take to remove the ignition cylinder. After the cylinder is removed, you are now able to install the new ignition switch. You'll first need to replace the covers on the steering column. Also, you'll need to tighten two screws on the top of the lock assembly that secure it. Once you've done this installing your new ignition cylinder shouldn't be that difficult. Remove the Ignition Switch The ignition cylinder lock and switch are two distinct parts of the electrical system in your car. Although they might appear similar, you can repair or replace them in a separate. The switch is the electronic component that sends power to the vehicle, while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key is able to slide into. You can tell when the ignition cylinder is damaged by its inability to turn the key. When the cylinder is damaged, the pins in the tumbler could wear out, making it difficult or impossible to pull or insert your key. If you notice that your key has become worn and cannot turn the way you want it to, the best option is to have the wafers inside it replaced or smoothed by a professional locksmith. Based on the make of your vehicle it could have an anchor bolt or screw that holds the switch in place and removal of this will expose the cylinder of ignition. Make sure to consult the manual for your car before making the attempt at home. It can be dangerous and cause damage to the steering column or plastic covers. Additionally the switch is connected with wiring for airbags, and tampering with this could cause serious injuries. To remove the ignition cylinder you'll need an instrument to loosen it. It is also possible to use pliers, however, it is more difficult. After 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 need to connect all the wires to the electrical connection inside the steering column and then test the function. It's usually simpler to disconnect the battery, and then remove the ignition key and then start the vehicle. The battery can be reconnected after the ignition has been activated. If it doesn't work then you'll need to have the immobilizer system reset by a dealer or service technician. This is a complex procedure that should be handled by professionals. Install the Ignition Cylinder The ignition switch in your car sends an indication to the engine that it's time for it to start. The key is then inserted into a lock-cylinder to start this process. However the pins and waxes inside the cylinder may wear away over time. This could make it difficult to turn your car on, or even impossible if the cylinder gets stuck. If your key doesn't turn on the ignition, it's likely that it's time to get replaced. A locksmith can replace the cylinder in your ignition with a replacement so that your key can still work with your existing ignition switch. To take out the old lock cylinder, push in on the release pin on the base of the assembly and remove the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder is unable to move out, try pressing in the release pin or using an anti-rotation button that is located underneath the face of the cylinder. You could also try pushing down on the cylinder with your key while turning it to the ACC or accessory position to try and push it out. Install the new cylinder and test it by turning on the vehicle. If so, you can connect the trim pieces that you removed to get to the cylinder. Then you can perform the relearning process to connect the new keys. Although the cylinder lock in the ignition isn't as integral to the functioning of your car as it used to be, there are still many instances where you'll need to replace it. It is essential to talk to a professional like an automotive locksmith or car dealer, to ensure that the job is done in a safe manner without causing any damage to the steering column plastic covers or other parts in your vehicle. It is essential to ensure that the new ignition is correctly coded to ensure that your car recognizes it as authentic keys. In the majority of instances this, it will require a dealership or other professional to carry out the relearning.