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How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder If your car key will not turn, it's time change the ignition lock cylinder. In contrast to the switch which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that sends power to your vehicle's engine, the lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key can slide into. Over time, these “wafer” tumblers can wear out or break. WD-40 and graphite are able to temporarily fix the issue, but replacing the tumblers is the only option. The steering column can be removed Most modern cars no longer utilize a steering column lock cylinder. They make use of keys to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dash panel. This modern system works better and is simpler than the lock-cylinder system of the past. However, there are a few older vehicles that use the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this part fails, it could be necessary to replace it to start the car. This is not an activity for the novice and should be left to professionals. Utilizing a screwdriver, you can remove the fasteners holding the trim panels covering the lower and upper parts of the steering column. This allows you to access the area around your steering column. You will find an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel that is closest to the driver. It holds the unit for the wiper/signal unit in position. Remove this bolt and place it aside. Depending on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with flat heads that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Remove these screws and place them aside. To get to the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This requires the use of a special tool, or you could to do it using an object of metal such as a cold chisel. A locksmith will also be equipped with the shear bolt removal kit. If you are unable to insert the key into the ignition switch the lock cylinder might be stuck. You can either contact locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch and move it to the ACC to depress the lock cylinder's pin. A locksmith can employ a shear cylinder removing tool or they can cut the pin off the lock cylinder using torch and then shave it down to take it off the lock. They will be able to change the cylinder's key to match your current keys and will help you save the cost of a new ignition cylinder. Replacing the Ignition Cylinder The ignition Cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical part that houses and locks your car's key. The cylinder “reads” the anti-theft codes and matches your key to start or stop your car. As time passes the cylinder wears out. It may be bent or broken. In this situation, you will need to replace the cylinder in order to start your car. A damaged or worn cylinder can cause problems turning the key, or the ignition switch not moving into the ACC position, or RUN, or a warning lamp to illuminate on the dashboard. If you have an extra key, use it in the lock. You may be able use some WD-40 or graphite to fine-tune the cylinder, but this only works for a brief period of period of time. Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an additional key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder making sure it's securely seated into the steering-column tube flange and aligned to the keyway on the shroud. Consult your car's manual or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is aligned correctly. Once the cylinder is in, turn the key to the ACC or RUN position. Listen for a click that indicates the ignition switch is fully set within the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you will have to follow the anti-theft relearn procedure for the new ignition cylinder in order to program it to your key. Some experts suggest having a professional replace the ignition cylinder, as it is usually required to shut off the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. The replacement will also likely require the removal of the steering wheel and ignition covers. This is a task best left to an experienced mechanic. They'll be able to take off the steering column cover and then properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They'll also be able ensure that the ignition lock cylinder is programmed with your key, and that it will start correctly when you insert it. Installing the Ignition Cylinder Although ignition lock cylinders have become less important in modern vehicles due to remote start and push-tostart technology, older cars still make use of these cylinders. If you have trouble starting your car or the ignition switch is faulty it could be due to a defective ignition cylinder. It's simple to fix your vehicle's problem by replacing the cylinder of the ignition lock. The ignition cylinder is the mechanical portion of the system that slides into your car's ignition switch and provides power to the rest of the engine. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder are two distinct components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the ignition key. Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move up and down to let your key slide into and rotate inside the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates a tiny friction that keeps the key in place, but over time, these tiny movements can cause the tumblers on the wafer to wear down. If the tumblers wear down, your car's key won't be able to slide into or turn the cylinder. A damaged ignition cylinder typically 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 signs that you should replace the ignition lock cylinder as soon as possible. Replacing your ignition cylinder is not difficult, but it's something that should be completed by a trained DIYer only if you're able to follow the correct procedure for your particular make and model of vehicle. You can do the job quickly and correctly with a complete repair guide for your vehicle. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition cylinder yourself You can let one of our ASE-certified mobile mechanics do the job for you at a time and place. Test the Ignition Cylinder The ignition lock Cylinder is a mechanical piece that fits your key and permits it to rotate and start your car. It's mounted inside the ignition switch that locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow the key to turn. ignition repair shop may wear out and eventually fail. This can cause issues with the vehicle's power supply or make it difficult to insert and remove keys. The most common indicators that a lock cylinder is about to be damaged is having trouble starting your car or locating locations where the key is stuck when you try to turn it. These issues usually indicate that the cylinder is worn down and requires replacement. You might even notice an alert light flashing on your dashboard to indicate an imminent failure. As the cylinder gets older it is prone to being damaged due to corrosion or wear and tear. This can cause the pins and tumblers made of wafer to wear out, cause damage or even break, which could stop your car's ignition from functioning. The ignition may still work in some instances when you move it around. However it could be a sign that something is wrong. You can examine the cylinder of your ignition and determine if the key or cylinder is damaged or worn out. If you have a multimeter, you could back-probe the module's red wire connection and the ignition coil's battery terminal to see if there is voltage. If you do not find any, the switch and module likely need replacing. It is best to engage an expert mechanic to repair the ignition cylinder, as it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. It can be complicated due to the fact that you may need remove other components, such as the steering column, in order to access the ignition cylinder. Depending on your vehicle, the replacement procedure can also require disabling the airbag system, and then you'll need to reprogramme your key to work with the new cylinder. This is typically done at an authorized dealer however, you can learn how to do it yourself with the proper tools and instructions.