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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's ignition key won't turn or turn, it's time to replace the cylinder that controls the ignition. In contrast to the switch, which is the electrical part of the ignition system that supplies energy to the engine of your car, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key slides into. Over time, “wafers” can break or wear out. Utilizing WD-40 or graphite could temporarily resolve the issue but replacement is the only way to fix it permanently. Removal of the Steering Column Modern cars do not use steering column locks. Instead, they utilize 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 older lock cylinder method. However, there are a few older vehicles that utilize the traditional ignition lock cylinder. When this part fails, you might require replacing it in order to start the vehicle. This is not an activity for the novice and is best left to professionals. Using a screwdriver, remove the fasteners holding the trim panels covering the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This will allow you access to the area around the steering column. There is an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver that holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in place. Unscrew this bolt and place it aside. Depending on the year of your vehicle, you may find three or four small screws with flat heads that keep 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 have to take off the signal/wiper assembly. This will require the use of a specially designed tool or to do it using a piece of metal like a cold chisel. Locksmiths will also be able to use 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 depress the lock cylinder pin or you can call a locksmith for assistance. Locksmiths can use a shear tool to remove the lock cylinder. They can make use of a torch to slit the pin, then shave it down to take it off. They can replace the cylinder's keys to match the keys you have and will save you the cost of buying a new ignition cylinder. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition Cylinder is a cylindrical mechanical device that is used to house and lock the key of your vehicle. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft code and then fits your key to turn on or off your car. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It can also be bent or broken. In this instance you'll need to replace the cylinder in order to start your car. Symptoms of a broken or worn cylinder can be seen in problems when turning your key or with the ignition switch not moving into the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash. If you have an extra key, put it inside the lock. You might be able smooth the cylinder using graphite or WD-40, however this technique only works for a certain amount of time. Replace the ignition cylinder if you have an alternative key. Follow the instructions above to install the new ignition cylinder. When installing the new ignition cylinder, ensure it is installed in the flange on the steering column tube and is correctly aligned with the keyway on the shroud of the steering column. If you are unsure of the correct alignment of the cylinder, check your car's repair manual or an automotive expert. After the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that indicates the ignition switch is fully seated within the cylinder. If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will have to perform the anti-theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder to your key. Some experts recommend that you hire a professional to replace the cylinder in your ignition. This is because it's often necessary to disable the airbag in the steering column in order to access the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require removing the steering wheel and the covers for ignition. Because of this, it is a job that should be left to an experienced mechanic. They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder into your car. They'll also make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and that it starts correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although cylinders for ignition locks are becoming less essential in modern vehicles thanks to advances in remote start and push-tostart systems, they're common on older cars. If you have trouble starting your car or if the ignition switch is stuck it could be due to an issue with your ignition cylinder. It's relatively simple to replace your car's ignition lock cylinder and repair the issue. The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that is inserted into your car's ignition switch and sends power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two separate components. The switch is an electrical device that connects with your car's computer system to transmit signals to turn on the engine when you turn the ignition key. The pins on the cylinders of ignition locks move upwards and downwards, which allows your key to move and rotate within the cylinder. Every movement of the key and cylinder creates a little friction that keeps the key in place but over time, these small movements could cause the wafer tumblers to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key will not be able to slide into or rotate the cylinder. A worn-out ignition cylinder is typically the first sign of trouble in the majority of vehicles. The key could be stuck and make it difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as possible. Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it's a job that should be done by a trained DIYer only when you're confident enough to follow the correct procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and accurately with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you're not confident in installing the ignition cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics do 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 component that is fitted to your key to allow it to turn and start your vehicle. It is mounted inside the ignition switch which secures the ignition, and reads the anti-theft code to authorize the key to turn. The cylinder for the ignition lock is susceptible to wear and eventually fail, leading to issues powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key. The most obvious signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail are difficulty starting it or finding places where the key is caught when you turn it. These signs usually mean that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. In certain instances, you might even notice an indicator light on your dashboard, which signals the possibility of a failure. As the cylinder ages it is likely to be damaged due to wear and wear and. This can cause the pins and tumblers to wear out, damage or break and prevent your car's ignition from unlocking. ignition key replacement cost could still function in some cases when you move it around. However this could be a sign that something is not right. You can check the cylinder's ignition to determine whether it's worn-out or the key is bent or damaged. If you own a multimeter, you can probe the module's red wire connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to see if there is the voltage. If you are unable to detect any voltage then the switch and module are likely to require replacement. It's best to hire a professional mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder, since it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. The process is complicated due to the fact that you may 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 disable the airbag system and reprogram your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. It's usually done by an agent. However, you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and instructions.