How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car's key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder The lock cylinder is a tumbler made of mechanical that your key slides into, in contrast to the switch, which is an electrical component of the ignition system Over time they "wafer" tumblers will wear out or break Using WD-40 or graphite could temporarily resolve the issue however replacement is the only permanent solution Eliminating the Steering Column Most modern cars no longer utilize a steering column lock cylinder They use a key to start the car by pressing and rotating an electronic switch located in the dash panel This modern system functions better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past Some older vehicles still employ the old lock cylinder If this component fails, you might require replacing it in order to start the vehicle This isn't a task for the novice and is best left to a professional Remove the trim panels that cover the lower and upper columns of the steering using the help of a screwdriver This will allow access to the area around the steering column You will see 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 position Take this bolt off and set it away Based on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with a flat head that secure the plastic cover that covers the turn signal switch Remove these screws and set them aside To access the lock cylinder, you'll have to remove the wiper/signal unit https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-ignition-lock-repair-near-me/ will require the use of a specially designed tool or perform the task using a piece of metal like a cold chisel A locksmith can also use the bolt removal kit If you're unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder could be stuck You can try inserting the key and then moving it to the ACC position to press the lock cylinder pin, or call a locksmith for help A locksmith will be able to make use of a shear cylinder removal tool or they can cut the pin off the lock cylinder using an electric torch, and then shave it to remove it from the assembly They can change the cylinder's key to match your current keys and save you the expense of purchasing a new ignition cylinder Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition Cylinder is the mechanical cylinder that houses and locks your car's key The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft code and fits your key to allow you to start or stop your car As time passes, the cylinder can wear out It may also become bent or broken If this occurs, the cylinder may need to be replaced to allow your vehicle to start The signs of a damaged or worn cylinder are issues when turning your key or the ignition switch not advancing into the ACC or RUN position, or a warning light appearing on the dash If you have a spare, you can try using it inside the lock You could try using some WD-40 or graphite to adjust the cylinder's settings, however, this is only for a short period of time Replace the ignition cylinder if have an alternative key Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely fitted into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud If you're unsure about the proper 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 confirm that the ignition switch is fully seated in the cylinder If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you'll have to go through the anti-theft relearn process 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 airbag on the steering column in order for access to the cylinder In addition, the replacement process is likely to involve removing and replacing the steering wheel and ignition covers This is why it's best to let an experienced mechanic They will be able remove the steering wheel cover and replace it with a new ignition locking cylinder inside your vehicle They'll also be able to make sure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed using your key and begins to work correctly when you insert it Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although ignition lock cylinders have been less significant in modern vehicles because of remote start and push-tostart systems older cars still make use of them If your car's ignition switch is stuck, or you're experiencing difficulty starting your vehicle the problem could be due to a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder may be to blame Luckily, it's relatively easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder, and then fix the issue The ignition cylinder is the part of the system that slides into the ignition switch in your car and supplies power to the rest of the engine The ignition switch and ignition cylinder are separate components The switch is the electrical portion that connects to your car's computer and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key Pins on ignition lock cylinders move up and down, permitting your key to slide and rotate inside the cylinder Each movement of the cylinder and key creates a tiny friction that helps keep the key in place, but over time, these tiny movements can cause the wafer tumblers to wear down If the tumblers get worn out and the key is no longer able to slide into the cylinder, it will not be able slide into the cylinder or rotate it The first sign of trouble is usually a worn ignition coil in the majority of cars However, the key can be stuck and become difficult to insert or remove from the ignition cylinder These are indications that you need to replace your ignition lock cylinder as soon as you can Replacing your ignition cylinder isn't difficult, but it is an undertaking that should be done by a skilled do-it-yourselfer only when you're confident enough to follow the right procedure for your specific make and model of vehicle A complete repair manual for your vehicle will assist you in getting the job done efficiently and correctly If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder on your own, you can have one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the work for you at a convenient time and location Testing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical component that is fitted to your key and allows it to rotate and start your car It's mounted inside the ignition switch which is locked to the ignition and reads anti-theft codes to authorize key turning The cylinder that locks the ignition can wear out and eventually fail This could cause issues with the power of your vehicle or make it difficult to remove and insert keys Some of the most common signs that your car's lock-cylinder is about to fail is difficulty starting it or finding locations where the key is caught when you turn it These are usually an indication that the cylinder is in need of be replaced You may even see a warning light flashing on your dashboard to signal 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 tumblers made of wafer to wear down, cause damage or even break, which can prevent your car's ignition from working The ignition may still work in certain situations if you move it around However this could be a sign that something is not right 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 have a multimeter, it is possible to back-probe the module's red connection and the battery terminal of the ignition coil to determine if there's the voltage If you do not find any, then the switch and module are likely to require replacement The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs 200 to 300, and it's recommended to hire a professional mechanic perform the job It's not easy because you may have remove other components, such as the steering column, to get to the ignition cylinder The replacement process may require you to disable the airbag system and reprogramme your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder It's usually done by an authorized dealer However, you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and the right instructions