If your car won’t start, you may be thinking about what to do. If you’re not sure if your car has a battery, check out our blog for tips on how to test it. If your car does have a battery, the next step is to check your car’s ignition lock cylinder. If your car has a keyless ignition system, this is the part of the car where you insert the key and turn it to start the engine. If you can’t turn your car over with the key, then your ignition lock cylinder is probably defective and needs to be replaced. To replace your ignition lock cylinder, follow these steps: 1) Remove the door panel. 2) Locate the key switch and remove it by unscrewing it from its bracket. 3) Disconnect the cables that go to the ignition lock cylinder by pulling them out of their connectors. 4) Remove the old ignition lock cylinder by unscrewing it from its bracket. 5) Install the new ignition lock cylinder by screwing it into its bracket and connecting the cables. 6) Reinstall the key switch by mounting it onto its bracket and reconnecting the cables.
What is a Car Ignition Lock Cylinder?
A car ignition lock cylinder is a small, metal cylinder that’s located near the key switch in your car. When you insert a key into the ignition, the key turns the cylinder, which then unlocks the car’s engine.
If your car won’t start because of a locked ignition, you’ll need to remove the cylinder and replace it. This can be done using a few simple tools (a wrench, screwdriver, and pick), and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
Before beginning the repair, be sure to take note of any important notes or markings on the lock cylinder itself. This will help you identify it when you put it back in place.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Lock Cylinder
If your car’s ignition lock cylinder is bad, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
The key won’t turn in the ignition.
The car will not start.
The key turns multiple times before the engine starts.
The car won’t stay running when you try to start it.
How to Fix a Car Ignition Lock Cylinder
There are a few steps you can take to fix a car ignition lock cylinder if it’s not working properly. You’ll need to remove the cylinder, inspect it for damage, and replace it if necessary. Here’s how:
1. Park your car in a safe place and turn off the ignition.
2. Remove the screws that hold the cover on the engine block (3 on each side). Once they’re out, use a flathead screwdriver to pry up on the cover and pull it off.
3. Inspect the cylinders for damage. If there is any, replace the cylinder immediately. If there isn’t any damage, you can skip to step 5.
4. Remove the four screws that hold each connector in place (2 per connector). Carefully pull them out of their sockets, being sure not to lose any of the wiring or connectors in the process.
5. In each connector, locate and remove the two torx screws that secure it to its housing (1 per connector). Be careful not to lose any of these screws or parts in your removal process!
6. Gently disconnect each wire from its corresponding connector by pulling gently on both ends at once while wiggling them free from
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing problems with your car’s ignition lock cylinder, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. Sometimes, it can be as simple as cleaning or replacing the component. If that doesn’t work, you might need to take your car in for repairs. In any case, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified mechanic if you’re having difficulties getting your car started.