It's Time To Forget Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It

G28 Car Keys in the cylinder is responsible allowing the key to turn and start the car. It operates through springs and chambers that can be damaged by environmental elements such as high or low temperatures. If your ignition switch, key or both will not turn, it could be an indication that the lock's cylinder has to be replaced. This is a task best left to a professional auto locksmith. Remove the covers for the steering column. Ignition lock-cylinders are mechanical components that allow a key to be inserted into the ignition switch to be turned to begin an automobile. They can fail or wear out in a variety of ways, like keys that are put in too hard or in the correct position. They may also break down and fail due to corrosion or other causes. If your ignition cylinder doesn't seem to be turning it's time to replace it. You can do it yourself, but it's a job that requires you to remove the covers for the steering column and the airbag cover. The process is risky and may be challenging. It could also require specialized tools for the replacement cylinder. The ignition cylinder is located in the middle column, where the steering wheel is attached. The clip and two screws located at the bottom hold the cylinder in place. Remove these screws before you start working on the cylinder to prevent it from falling off and getting lost. After you have the screws removed, you can take the plastic retainers off the bottom of the cover. A metal retainer clip into the top cover to hold it in the right place. You may need to pry off the cover to remove the tabs on the bottom. These can be broken off by removing one of the retaining screws and bending the tab outward a bit. If the tab is damaged completely it can be replaced with a piece perforated strapping made of metal that is available at many hardware stores. You'll also need some U-clips for the new bottom “tab,” and these can be bought from any automotive parts store. After removing the plastic tabs and removing the airbag cover, it is now possible to reach the ignition cylinder. You can unlock the ignition lock using the Allen wrench 1/16-inch and push the cylinder retaining bolt. Then, you'll be able to pull the cylinder away. You may need to replace it with a special cylinder for an anti-theft system. Remove the Ignition Cylinder While many modern vehicles have switched to push-to-start systems, there are still a good number of cars on the road that need an ignition lock cylinder. This mechanical cylinder is located inside the electrically-powered component known as the “ignition switch” that is used to lock the ignition, and “reads the anti-theft code within the car key before allowing it to start. It could be time to call an auto locksmith if the vehicle is showing signs of a broken lock cylinder. A damaged cylinder could cause several problems, including a absence of power from the engine and issues when it comes to inserting and removing the key. Keys that are worn out can damage wafer tumblers that let the cylinder to turn. This can cause an obstruction and stops the vehicle from getting started. Depending on your model and make the cover of your ignition switch can be secured with clips or screws. Utilizing a screwdriver to loosen the screw and slide off the cover to expose the cylinder for ignition lock. It is typically a metal cylindrical device about the size of a quarter. To remove the cylinder you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the slot that holds the key, and drill through it until the cylinder snaps free. Then, you'll be able to take the cylinder off and replace it with a replacement. You'll need to check 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 your new ignition switch. Before you can do that you'll have to replace the steering column covers. Two screws are required to hold the lock assembly in place. After you've done that the installation of your new ignition cylinder shouldn't be too difficult. Take off the Ignition Switch The ignition cylinder and the switch are separate components of the electrical system in your car. Although they appear like they do, you can fix or replace them separately. The switch is the electrical portion that provides power to the vehicle, while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into. Generally, you will be able to detect that the ignition cylinder is not working due to its inability to turn your key. When the cylinder fails the pins in the tumbler can wear out, making it difficult or impossible to insert or pull your key. If you notice that your key is damaged and isn't turning, your best bet 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 is used to secure the switch and removal of this will expose the cylinder that controls the ignition. It is important to read the service manual of your vehicle prior to attempting this at home, since it can be hazardous and cause damage to the steering column as well as plastic covers. The switch is also bundled with the airbag wiring. If you mess with it, it could cause serious injury. To take the ignition cylinder out you'll need drills to loosen it. You can also use pliers to disengage the cylinder from the assembly however this is usually more difficult than using a screwdriver. Once the ignition cylinder has been removed, you can purchase a new one at your local auto shop. After installing the new ignition cylinder, you'll have to connect all the wires to the electrical connections in the steering column and then test it for proper function. It's best to disconnect the battery first, then remove the ignition key and start the engine. When the ignition is functioning, you can reconnect the battery and test it again. If the car still doesn't start, you'll require having the immobilizer system reset. This can be done by a dealer or an automotive service technician. This can be a complicated procedure, and is better left to a certified professional. Install the Ignition Cylinder The ignition switch in your car sends out a signal telling the engine it's time to start. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder to trigger this process, but the pins and wafers within the cylinder could wear out over time. It can be difficult or impossible to start your car if the cylinder becomes stuck. If the key in your car won't turn, it's likely the cylinder for ignition is worn down and needs replacing. Locksmiths can replace your ignition cylinder with a similar one so that your key will still work with your existing ignition switch. To take out the lock cylinder that was previously in use, push in on the release pin at the bottom of the assembly, and slide the cylinder out from its housing. If the cylinder is unable to be able to slide out, try pressing in the release pin, or use a small anti-rotation button underneath the face of cylinder. You can also push down on the cylinder by turning the key to the ACC position or use an accessory to push it out. Install the new cylinder and test it by turning off the vehicle. If it's not then you can connect any trim pieces that were removed to gain access to the cylinder and follow an anti-theft procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle. The ignition cylinder lock may not be as important to the performance of your vehicle as it was in the past however there are situations where it is necessary to replace it. Consult a professional such as an locksmith or dealer in the automotive industry to ensure that the task is done without causing damage to the steering column plastic or other components of your vehicle. It is also essential to ensure that the new ignition cylinder has been correctly encoded so that your vehicle can recognize it as a genuine key. In the majority of cases this, it will require a dealership or a professional to do the relearn.