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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's key won't turn and it's time to replace the ignition lock cylinder. Contrary to the switch which is the electrical component of the ignition system that sends energy to the engine of your car the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key slides into. Over time they “wafer” tumblers can wear out or break. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite may temporarily resolve the issue, but replacement is the only permanent solution. Eliminating the Steering Column Modern cars do not use steering column locks. They use a key to start the car by pressing and rotating an electronic switch located in the dash panel. This modern system works better and is much simpler than the older lock-cylinder method. Some older cars still use the old lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it to get the car started. This is a task that should be left to experts. With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners holding the trim panels that cover the lower and upper steering column. This will give you access to the area around the steering column. On the side of the steering column closest to the driver, you will see an Allen head bolt that holds the wiper/signal assembly in place. Remove the bolt and set it aside. Depending on your car's year, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic that covers the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and set them aside. In order to get at the lock cylinder, one will need to remove the wiper/signal assembly. This will require the use of a special tool or do it with the help of a piece of metal, such as a cold chisel. A locksmith can also use a bolt removal kit. If the key can't be put into the ignition switch, it's likely that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can try inserting the key and moving it to the ACC position to press the pin on the lock cylinder, or you can call a locksmith for help. A locksmith can use a shear cylinder removal tool or cut the pin off of the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it down to remove it from the cylinder. They will be able to change the cylinder's key to match the keys you have and save you the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component which houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder is affixed to the key and “reads” the anti-theft codes to allow or denial of the starting of your vehicle. As time passes, the cylinder can wear out. It may also become bent or damaged. If this occurs, the cylinder will need to be replaced in order for your car to start. The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder are issues with turning the key, or the ignition switch not moving to the ACC or RUN position, or with a warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you have an extra, put it inside the lock. You may be able to finesse the cylinder with some graphite or WD-40, but this method only works for a certain amount of time. Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure it is installed in the steering column tube flange and is properly aligned with the keyway on the shroud for the steering column. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, refer to your vehicle's repair manual or an expert. Once the cylinder has been installed then turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. Watch for a click to confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated into the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft device, you will have to go through the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key. Some experts suggest hiring a professional to replace your ignition cylinder. This is due to the fact that it's usually necessary to deactivate the steering column airbag for access to the cylinder. Additionally, the replacement will likely require taking off and replacing the ignition and steering wheel covers. This is a job best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able remove the cover on the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able verify that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed by your key and that it starts correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although ignition lock cylinders are becoming less important in modern vehicles because of advancements in push-to-start and remote start systems, they're common on older cars. If you have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is stuck, it could be a defective ignition cylinder. It's easy to fix your car's issue by replacing the cylinder for your ignition lock. The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system which is inserted into the ignition switch of your car and provides power to the rest the engine. The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are separate components. The switch is the electrical component that connects to the computer in your car and sends signals to activate the motor when you turn the key. Pins on ignition lock cylinders move upwards and downwards, allowing your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder. Every movement of the cylinder and the key creates a small amount of friction that helps keep 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 rotate the cylinder. A worn-out ignition cylinder is usually the first sign of trouble in most vehicles. However, the key can be stuck and become difficult to remove or insert from the cylinder. These are indicators that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as soon as you can. Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it's an undertaking that should be handled by a trained DIYer only when you're confident enough to follow the proper procedure for your specific brand and model of vehicle. A full repair manual for your vehicle can help you get the job done efficiently and correctly. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself then let one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and in a location that's convenient to you. Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder, also known as the ignition lock cylinder, is a mechanical part that is fitted to your key to permit it to turn and start your car. It's affixed to the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow key turning. The cylinder for the ignition lock is prone to wear and can eventually fail, leading to issues powering your vehicle or making it difficult to insert and remove the key. The main indications that a car's lock cylinder is preparing to fail is difficulty getting your car started or locating positions where the key gets stuck when you try to turn it. These are usually a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You might even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an impending failure. As the cylinder gets older it is likely to be damaged due to wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and wafer tumblers to wear out, damage or break, preventing the ignition of your car from working. In some cases, the ignition will still work if you jostle it into different positions however this is a dangerous sign that something could be wrong. You can test the cylinder of your ignition to see whether it's worn out, or if the key has been bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to see if there is any voltage. If you do not find any voltage then the switch and module are likely to need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire an expert mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder as it could cost between $200 and $300. The process is complicated due to the fact that you could have to take other parts to access the cylinder that controls ignition, including the steering column. The process of replacing it could require you to turn off the airbag system, and then reprogram your key to work with the new ignition cylinder. does a new ignition switch require a new key 's usually done by a dealer. However, you could do it yourself if you have the right tools and the right instructions.