14 Creative Ways To Spend Left-Over Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair Budget
Ignition Cylinder Lock Repair
The ignition lock in the cylinder is responsible for allowing the key to turn and start the car. It is controlled by a chamber containing springs which can be damaged due to environmental conditions like high or low temperatures.
If your ignition switch keys or the switch itself isn't turning, it could indicate that the lock's cylinder needs to be replaced. This task should be left to an auto locksmith professional.
Remove the Steering Column Covers
Ignition lock-cylinders are mechanical components that allow a key into the ignition switch to be turned to turn off an automobile. They can wear out and malfunction for many reasons, such as if the key is inserted too forcefully or placed in the wrong position. They may also fail due to corrosion or other reasons. If your ignition cylinder isn't turning, it's probably time to replace it. You can do this yourself, but it's a job that requires removing the covers on the steering column and the airbag cover. The process is risky and challenging and the replacement cylinder might require special tools to install.
The ignition cylinder can be found in the middle column, where the steering wheel is attached. It has two screws at the bottom and a clip on the side to secure it in place. Remove these screws before you begin working on the cylinder to stop it from falling off and getting lost.
After you have the screws removed, you can pull the plastic retainers out of the lower part of the cover. A metal retainer clip into the top cover to keep it in the right place. You may have to pull the cover from the steering wheel to take off the tabs made of plastic that are lower.
You can break these off by removing the retaining screw and bending the tab outward. If the tab is broken off completely, it can be replaced with a piece of perforated metal strapping which is available in most hardware stores. You'll need U-clips to attach the new "tab" at the bottom. These can be purchased at any auto parts shop.
After the tabs made of plastic are removed and the airbag cover removed, you are able to access the hole for the ignition cylinder. You can unlock the ignition lock using the Allen wrench of 1/16-inch and push the retaining bolt for the cylinder. You can then remove the cylinder. It may be necessary to replace it with an anti-theft cylinder.
Remove the Ignition Cylinder
Despite the fact that many vehicles are now equipped with push-to-start technology, there are some cars on the market that require an ignition lock. This cylindrical, mechanical part is contained in the electrically powered part referred to as the "ignition switch" that locks the ignition and "reads' anti-theft codes within the car key before allowing it to turn on.
If your vehicle is showing signs of a failing ignition lock cylinder, it could be time to contact an auto locksmith for assistance. A malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder could cause numerous issues, such as the absence of power from the engine and difficulty inserting or removing keys. Worn keys can damage the wafer tumblers that allow the ignition cylinder to turn into a jam which prevents your car from getting started.
Depending on your model and make, the ignition switch cover could be secured by a screw or clip. Utilizing a screwdriver to loosen the screw and then slide off the cover to reveal the ignition lock cylinder. It is typically a steel cylinder that is about the size of a quarter.
To remove the cylinder you will need to drill the pin that holds it. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the slot that holds the key and then drill straight into it until the cylinder is broken. You can then remove the cylinder and then replace it.
The procedure to remove the ignition cylinder differs by manufacturer, so you'll have to read your service manual to find out what steps are required. Once the cylinder has been removed, you can then install your new ignition switch.
Before you can do this you'll have to replace the steering column covers. Also, you'll need to fix two screws on top of the lock assembly that secure it. Once you've done this, installing your new ignition cylinder will be fairly simple.
Take off the Ignition Switch
The ignition switch and the cylinder lock are two distinct components of your car's electrical system. Although they appear identical, you can repair or replace them in a separate. The switch is the electrical portion that provides power to the vehicle, while the cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into. Generally, you can discern that the cylinder for ignition is failing due to its inability to turn the key.
When the cylinder is damaged, the tumbler's pins could wear out, making it difficult or impossible to insert or pull your key. If you notice that your key is damaged and isn't turning the way you want it to, the best option is to have the wafers inside of it replaced or smoothed by an experienced locksmith.
Based on the make of your vehicle it could have an anchor bolt or screw that is used to secure the switch and removing it will expose the cylinder of ignition. Check the manual of your vehicle before making the attempt at home. It is a risk and result in damage to the steering column or the plastic covers. The switch is also linked with the wiring for airbags. If you mess with it, it could cause serious injury.
To remove the ignition cylinder you'll need drills to loosen it. G28 Car Keys is also possible to use pliers, but it can be more difficult. If the ignition cylinder becomes loose it is possible to replace it with a brand new one at your local auto shop.
After installing the new ignition cylinder, you'll need to reconnect all of the wires to the electrical connections in the steering column, and then test it for proper function. It's usually easiest to disconnect the battery first, then remove the key from the ignition and start the engine. Once the ignition is working then you can connect the battery and try it again. If the car still doesn't turn on, you'll need to have the immobilizer reset. This can be accomplished by a dealer or an automotive service technician. This is a complicated procedure that should be left to an expert.
Reinstall the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition switch in your car transmits an indication to the engine that it's time to start up. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder to trigger this process, but the pins and wafers within the cylinder could 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 damaged and requires replacement. Locksmiths can replace your ignition cylinder with a comparable one, so that your key can continue to work with your current ignition switch.
To take off the lock to remove the lock, press down on the release pin that is located at the base of your assembly. Then remove the cylinder from its housing. If the cylinder will not move out, try pressing in the release pin or pressing a small anti rotation button underneath the face of cylinder. You could also try pushing down on the cylinder using your key while rotating it to the ACC or accessory position to see if you can get it out.
Install the new cylinder and test it by turning on the vehicle. If it's not, you can reconnect the trim pieces were removed to gain access to the cylinder and apply an anti-theft relearning procedure to connect your new keys to the vehicle.
Although the lock for the ignition cylinder isn't as essential to the functionality of your car as it once was but there are still instances where you'll need to replace it. Talk to a professional such as an locksmith or an automotive dealer to ensure that the task is completed without damaging the steering column plastic or other components of your vehicle. It is crucial to ensure that the new ignition is correctly coded to ensure that your car recognizes it as authentic keys. In the majority of cases, this will require a dealer or other professional to carry out the relearn.