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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's keys isn't turning and it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. Unlike 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 that your key is able to slide into. Over time, “wafers” can break or wear out. The use of WD-40 or graphite could temporarily fix the problem but replacement is the only way to fix it permanently. Removing the steering column Modern cars don't have steering column locks. They use a key to start the vehicle by pressing and rotating a switch in the dash panel. This modern system works more efficiently and is less complicated than the lock-cylinder system of the past. Some older cars still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this part is damaged, it might be necessary to replace it to get the car started. This is a task that should be handled by professionals. Using a screwdriver, remove the fasteners that hold the trim panels covering the lower and upper steering column. This will allow you access to the area around the steering column. On the side of the steering column that is closest to the driver, you will notice an Allen head bolt that holds the assembly of the wiper and signal. Unscrew this bolt and set it aside. Depending on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic cover on the turn signal switch in place. Take these screws off and put them aside. To access the lock cylinder, you'll need to take off the signal/wiper unit. You can use a special tool to do this or ghetto it with a piece metal, like a cold-chisel. Locksmiths will also be capable of using a shear bolt removal kit. If you can't insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. Try inserting the key, then moving it to the ACC position to release the lock cylinder pin, or you can contact a locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off the lock cylinder with a torch and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They can re-key your ignition cylinder to ensure it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on a new ignition. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical component which houses and secures the key of your vehicle. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and fits your key to start or stop your car. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It can also be bent or damaged. If this happens, the cylinder will need to be replaced in order for your car to begin. Signs of a damaged or worn cylinder include problems with turning your key, or the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have a spare, consider using it in the lock. You might be able to make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40. However, this technique only works for a limited time. If you have a brand new key, replace the ignition cylinder and follow the steps above to install it. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure that it is seated in the flange on the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. Consult your car's manual or an expert to confirm the cylinder is correctly aligned. After the cylinder has been installed and the ignition switch is turned to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully installed within the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will need to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key. Some experts recommend replacing the ignition cylinder, as it is often necessary to disable the airbag inside the steering column to access the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement will likely involve removal and replacement of the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is a job that should be left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover on the steering column and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder to your vehicle. They will also be able ensure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key, and that it starts correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder While ignition lock cylinders are becoming less necessary in modern vehicles thanks to advancements in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're common on older cars. If your car's ignition switch is stuck or you're having difficulty starting your car, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be the reason. It's relatively simple to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and repair the issue. The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is the electrical component that connects to your car's computer and sends signals to activate 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 inside the cylinder. Each movement of the key and cylinder creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place but in time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, the key of your car will not be able to slide into or turn the cylinder. A damaged ignition cylinder usually the first indication of trouble in most vehicles. The key could also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all signs that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as it is possible. Replacing the ignition cylinder on your vehicle isn't difficult, but it is a job that should be completed by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your car will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder on your own make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and place that's convenient to you. Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical device that fits your key to allow it to turn and start your vehicle. It is placed inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft codes to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition is prone to wear and can eventually fail, causing issues powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key. The most common indicators that a lock cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting your car or locating locations where the key is stuck when you attempt to turn it. These are usually an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. You might even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to signal an impending failure. As the cylinder age it is prone to being damaged by corrosion or wear and wear and. This could cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, cause damage or even break, which can make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue functioning. In certain instances the ignition may function if you jerk it into different positions but this is a dangerous indicator that something is wrong. You can test your ignition cylinder to determine whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. You can test with a multimeter if there's voltage between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you do not find any voltage, then the switch and module likely need replacing. The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and it's generally recommended to let a professional mechanic perform the task. It's not an easy task due to the fact that you may need remove other components like the steering column, in order to get to the ignition cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require disabling the airbag system, and you'll need to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. repair ignition lock cylinder is usually done by a dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the proper tools and the right instructions.