Guide To Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair: The Intermediate Guide Towards Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair
ignition cylinder lock repair (experienced)
The ignition cylinder lock allows the key to be turned, allowing the car to start. It operates via a chamber and springs that may be damaged by environmental elements such as high or low temperatures.
If your ignition switch or key isn't able to turn, it could be a sign that the lock cylinder is damaged and must be replaced. This task should be left to a professional auto locksmith.
Take off the Steering Column Covers
Ignition lock cylinders are mechanical parts that allow a key to be put into the ignition and key replacement switch and then turned to start a car. They can fail or wear out in a variety of ways, like the key being inserted too hard or not in the correct place. They can also fail due to corrosion, and other causes. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning, it's probably time to replace it. You can do it yourself however it's a job that requires you to remove the covers on the steering column and the airbag cover. This process can be risky and complicated, and the replacement cylinder may require special tools to install.
The ignition cylinder is found in the middle column, where the steering wheel is positioned. It has two screws at the bottom and an attachment clip on the side to secure it to the column. It's essential to remove these screws before you begin working on the cylinder so it doesn't fall off and get lost ignition key.
After the screws have been removed, you can remove the plastic retainers at the bottom of the cover. There's also a metal retainer that clips into the top of the cover to hold it in place. It is possible to remove the cover off of the steering wheel to take off the tabs made of plastic that are lower.
You can cut them off by removing the screw that holds them and bending the tab slightly outward. If the tab has broken off completely it can be replaced by a piece of perforated metal strapping that's found in most hardware stores. You'll also require U-clips for the new bottom "tab," and these can be sourced from any automotive parts store.
After the tabs made of plastic are removed and the airbag cover pulled back, you can access the cylinder hole in the ignition. Using the 1/16-inch allen wrench you can unlock the ignition lock and push down the cylinder retaining pin. You can then remove the cylinder. It is possible to replace it with a specific cylinder for an anti-theft system.
Remove the Ignition Cylinder
Despite the fact that many vehicles are now equipped with push-to-start technology, there are certain cars that require an ignition lock. This cylindrical, mechanical component is located inside the electrically powered component known as the ignition switch. It locks the ignition and "reads" anti-theft coding inside the car key to allow it to turn on.
If your vehicle is showing signs of a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder, it could be time to contact an auto locksmith for assistance. A faulty cylinder can cause several problems, including a lack of power to the engine as well as problems with inserting and removing the key. Keys that are worn out can damage the wafer tumblers, which allow the ignition cylinder to rotate, leading to a jam that prevents your vehicle from starting.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle The ignition cover can be attached using screws or clips. With a screwdriver loosen the screw, then remove the cover to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. This is usually a metal cylinder about the size one quarter.
To remove the cylinder, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place. Make use of a drill that's slightly larger than the key slot and drill straight into the cylindrical until it breaks. You can then take the cylinder out and replace it.
The procedure for removing the ignition cylinder differs by manufacturer, so you'll have to consult your service manual to find out the steps to follow. Once you have the cylinder removed, you can install the new ignition switch.
Before you can do that you'll need to replace the covers for the steering column. It is also necessary to fix two screws on top of the lock assembly that secure it. After this, installing your new ignition cylinder will be fairly simple.
Remove the Ignition Switch
The ignition cylinder and switch are separate parts of the electrical system in your vehicle. Although they appear identical, they can be replaced or repaired independently of one other. The switch is electric and supplies the power to your vehicle. The cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key slide into. In general, you can tell the ignition cylinder is not working due to its inability to turn the key.
If the cylinder fails, the pins inside the tumbler could wear out which makes it difficult or impossible to insert or pull out your key. If you notice your key is worn out and won't turn anymore it is recommended to get the wafers replaced or smoothed by a professional locksmith.
Based on the make of your vehicle, there may be a bolt or screw that holds the switch in place and removing it will expose the cylinder that controls the ignition. Consult your vehicle's manual before making the attempt at home. It is a risk and result in damage to the steering column or plastic covers. In addition, the switch is bundled with the airbags' wiring and tampering with it could cause serious injuries.
To remove the ignition coil, you'll have to remove it using a drill. It is also possible to use pliers, however, it is more difficult. If the ignition cylinder becomes loose, you can replace it with a new one from a local auto store.
You'll require all the wires connected to the electrical connector on the steering column in order to test its proper operation. It's generally easier to disconnect the battery first, then disconnect the ignition key and then start the engine. You can reconnect the battery after the ignition has been activated. If it still won't start then you'll need to reset the immobilizer system by a dealership or service technician. This can be a complicated procedure, so it's best left to a professional with certification.
Reinstall the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition switch on your car sends an alert to the engine it's time to start. The key inserts into a lock cylinder to initiate this process, however the pins and wafers inside the cylinder may wear out over time. This can make it difficult to turn your car on or even impossible if the cylinder becomes stuck.
If the key in your car won't turn, it's a sign that the ignition cylinder is worn down and needs replacing. A professional locksmith can replace the cylinder with a new one, meaning your new key will function with the original ignition switch and will still be capable of triggering the engine's start-up signal.
To take out the lock cylinder that was previously in use simply push it in to the release pin located at the base of the assembly and remove the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder won't move out, try pressing in the release pin or pressing a small anti rotation button on the front of the cylinder. You may also try pushing in on the cylinder using your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to try and push it out.
Once you've removed your old cylinder, put in the new one and switch on the vehicle to ensure whether it's functioning. If so, you can connect the trim pieces you removed to access the cylinder. After that, you can begin the relearning process to connect the new keys.
The ignition cylinder lock may not be as crucial to the functioning of your vehicle as it was in the past, but there are still situations that require you to replace it. It's important to consult a professional like an automotive locksmith or a car dealership, to ensure that the job is completed correctly without any damage to the steering column's or other components in your vehicle. It's also important to ensure that the new ignition cylinder has been correctly encoded so that your vehicle can recognize it as an authentic key. This usually requires an expert or a dealer to perform this relearn.
