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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's keys won't turn, it's time to replace the cylinder for ignition lock. The lock cylinder is a mechanical tumbler which your key slides into, in contrast to the switch that is an electrical part of the ignition system. Over time over time, these “wafer” tumblers wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite may temporarily resolve the issue, but replacing the tumblers is the only way to fix it. The steering column can be removed The majority of modern cars do not utilize a steering column lock cylinder. Instead, they use keys that can be used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This newer system works much better and is simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. However, there are older cars that still use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it to start the car. This is not an activity for the novice and is best left to an experienced professional. With a screwdriver, take out the screws that hold the trim panels that surround the lower and upper steering column. This will give you access to the area surrounding the steering column. You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. It holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in position. Remove the bolt and set it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may have three or four small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew these and set them aside. To access the lock cylinder, one will have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. You can either employ a special tool accomplish this, or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with a shear bolt removal kit. If you're unable to insert the key into the ignition switch, the lock cylinder may be stuck. You can call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin. A locksmith will be able to employ a shear cylinder removing tool or they can cut the pin off the lock cylinder using an electric torch, and then shave it down to remove it from the assembly. They can change the cylinder's key to match the keys you have and will help you save the cost of a new ignition cylinder. Replace the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylindrical cylinder is a mechanical component which is used to house and lock the key to your vehicle. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and then fits your key to start or stop your vehicle. The cylinder wears down over time. It may also become bent or broken. If this occurs, the cylinder will have to be replaced to allow your car to start. A worn or broken cylinder could cause issues turning the key, or cause the ignition switch to not move into the ACC position or RUN or a warning light to illuminate on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it in the lock. You may be able to make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40. However, this method is only effective for so long. Replace the ignition cylinder if have a replacement key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure that it is properly seated into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. If you are unsure of the proper alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle's repair manual or an automotive expert. Once the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Listen for a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully set inside the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you'll have to follow 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's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag to get to the cylinder. Furthermore, the replacement is likely to involve removing and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. For these reasons, this is a task best left to a professional mechanic. They'll be able to remove the cover on the steering column and install a brand new ignition lock cylinder in your vehicle. They'll also make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key and starts properly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less important in modern vehicles thanks to advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they are still widespread on older cars. If you have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is stuck it could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix your car's issue by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock. The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system that slides into the ignition switch of your car and supplies power to the rest the engine. While many people confuse the term “ignition switch” with the ignition cylinder, they are two distinct components. The switch is an electrical component that connects to your car's computer to send signals to activate the engine when you turn the ignition key. Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move upwards and downwards to allow your key to slide into and rotate in the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place but over time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, the key of your car will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder. The first sign of trouble is usually a worn-out ignition coil in most cars. The key may also become stuck and difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are signs that you need to replace the ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can. It's not difficult to change the ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are confident that you can follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. A complete repair manual for your car will assist you in getting the task done quickly and accurately. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and place that is convenient for you. Test the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder, also referred to as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key in order to enable it to turn and start your vehicle. It is mounted inside the ignition switch which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft codes to allow key turning. The cylinder that locks the ignition may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause problems with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to remove and insert keys. Some of the main signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulty in starting it, or areas where the key gets caught when you turn it. These issues are typically an indication that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You may even see an alert light flashing on your dashboard, signalling an imminent failure. As the cylinder age, it may be damaged through wear and wear and tear. This could cause the wafer tumblers and pins to wear down, cause damage or even break, which can make it impossible for your car's ignition to continue functioning. In some instances the ignition may function if you jerk it around but this is a warning sign that something could be wrong. You can check the cylinder's ignition to determine whether it's worn out, or the key is bent or damaged. If you have a multimeter, you can back-probe the module's red connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to determine if there's voltage. If G28 do not find any voltage, then the module and switch are likely to require replacement. It's best to hire an expert mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder, since it can cost between $200 to $300. The process is complicated by the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the ignition cylinder, including the steering column. Depending on the model of your vehicle the replacement process may be accompanied by the need to disable the airbag system, and you'll need to reprogram your key to work with the new cylinder. This is typically done at an authorized dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself by using the right tools and instructions.