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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. In contrast to the switch that is the electrical portion of the ignition system that supplies power to your vehicle's engine the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into. Over time, “wafers” can break or become worn out. WD-40 and graphite can temporarily solve the problem, but replacing the tumblers is the only way to fix it. The steering column can be removed Modern cars don't have steering column locks. Instead, they use keys that are used to start the vehicle by pressing and turning the switch on the dashboard panel. This modern system is easier and more efficient than the traditional lock cylinder method. Certain older vehicles still use the traditional lock cylinder. If this part fails, you might need to replace it in order to start the vehicle. This is a task that should be handled by professionals. Remove the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering columns with a screwdriver. This will allow you access to the area around the steering column. You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. This bolt holds the wiper/signal unit in place. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Based on the year of your car, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads that keep the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew these and set them aside. To get to the lock cylinder, you will need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. car ignition switch repair can make use of a specific tool to do this or ghetto it with an object of metal, such as a cold-chisel. Locksmiths are also equipped with a shear bolt removal kit. If the key isn't able to be placed into the ignition switch, it's possible that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can either call a locksmith or insert the key into the ignition switch and then move it to the ACC to release the lock cylinder's pin. A locksmith can employ the shear tool to remove the lock cylinder or they can make use of a torch to slit the pin, then shave the pin down to take it off. They can re-key your ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on an entirely new ignition. Replace the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and fits your key to start or stop your vehicle. The cylinder can wear down over time. It could also break or get bent. If this occurs, the cylinder may have to be replaced to allow your car to begin. A worn or broken cylinder can cause problems turning the key, or causing the ignition switch will not move into the ACC position or RUN or a warning lamp to appear on the dashboard. If you have an extra, use it inside the lock. You may be able to smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40. However, this technique only works for a certain amount of time. Replace the ignition cylinder if have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure it's securely fitted into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. If you are unsure of the proper alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an automotive expert. Once the cylinder is in, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Listen for the click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated in the cylinder. If your car has an anti-theft system, you will be required to go through the anti-theft relearn process to programme the new ignition cylinder to your key. Some experts recommend hiring a professional to replace the ignition cylinder, as it is typically required to deactivate the airbag inside the steering column in order to access the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require removing the steering wheel and the ignition covers. For these reasons, this is a job best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to take off the steering wheel cover and install a brand new ignition locking cylinder in your car. They'll also verify that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed with your key and is working correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Even though cylinders for ignition locks have become less important in modern cars due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older cars still use these cylinders. If you have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is not working it could be due to an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition cylinder is a mechanical part of the system that connects to the ignition switch of your car and provides power to rest of the engine. While many people confuse the phrase “ignition switch” with the ignition cylinder, they are two distinct components. The switch is an electrical device that connects with the computer in your car to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key. The pins on cylinders for ignition locks move upwards and downwards, which allows your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a small amount of friction that keeps the key in place but in time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. When the tumblers are worn down, the key will not be able slide into the cylinder, or turn it. The first indication of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil that is found in the majority of automobiles. The key may also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are indicators that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as fast as you can. Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it is something that should be handled by a trained DIYer only if you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. A complete repair manual for your vehicle will help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not confident installing the ignition cylinder on your own make one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do the repair for you at a time and location that is convenient for you. Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key and permits it to turn and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the vehicle's power supply or make it difficult to insert and remove keys. Some of the most common signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulties in starting it or places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These are usually a sign that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. In certain instances you may even see an indicator light on your dashboard that indicates an imminent failure. As the cylinder ages, it can become damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and tear. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to break down, damage or break, preventing the ignition of your car from working. The ignition could still function in some instances when you move it around. However it could indicate that something is wrong. You can check the cylinder's ignition to determine if it's worn out or if the key is bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to see if there is the voltage. If you don't find any, then the switch and module probably need to be replaced. Replacing the ignition cylinder typically costs between $200 and $300, and it's recommended to have a professional mechanic perform the job. It's not easy due to the fact that you might have to remove other components such as the steering column to access the ignition cylinder. Depending on your vehicle the procedure for replacing it may also require disabling the airbag system, and you'll have change the programming of your key to work with the new cylinder. This can be done at the dealership however, you can learn how to do it yourself by using the appropriate tools and directions.