How To Install A New Ignition Switch

If the key won't turn, the car won't start.

By Matt Weber

When you lot outset a vehicle with a key, the key inserts into an Ignition Lock Cylinder that turns to start the engine. This cylinder is an interchangeable core that can article of clothing over fourth dimension and make information technology hard to start the automobile. If this is the case, the cylinder can easily be replaced with a new cylinder that can exist coded to friction match your existing car keys.

That was the trouble I recently had with a Contrivance Stratus, which had a cylinder that would stick in identify, refusing to plow and preventing utilize of the motorcar. I replaced the cylinder with a new Ignition Lock Cylinder from Dorman Products that I picked up at a local car parts store.

Here'south how to do it.

First, remove the negative cable from the terminal on the battery. Next, unscrew the screws that concur the upper and lower covers onto the steering wheel column. On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the steering wheel by disconnecting the wires continued to the horn then removing the wheel'due south retaining nut and washer. That was not the instance on the Stratus shown.

Pull off the steering wheel encompass to reveal the ignition ringlet cylinder. Depending on the model of your vehicle, it may be necessary to remove wiper or other accessory switches to free the steering wheel cover.

Identify the key in the ignition and turn information technology to the accessory position. On the car shown, all information technology took was a screwdriver to depress a retaining tab that released the cylinder from the lock housing and immune me to easily slide information technology out.

Some cylinders may besides require you to insert a paper clip into a hole in the end of the cylinder to release information technology. The steps will vary among manufacturers, so refer to your owner's manual for more details.

Shown here is the cylinder with casing later being removed from the steering column.

With the key in the former cylinder and turned to the accessory position, use a small screwdriver to depress the small anti-rotation push below the confront of the cylinder. This allows the cylinder to be turned farther than its normal position. Rotate the cylinder then the retaining tab and slot align, then slide the cylinder out of its casing. Remove the old key from the sometime cylinder.

To code the new Ignition Lock Cylinder requires yous to carefully insert the tiny new tumblers in sequence and orientation to lucifer the original cylinder. This is the trickiest office of the chore.

Forth with the cylinder assembly instructions, Dorman included a paper template to help organize the tumbler sequence, and this definitely made the chore easier.

With a pocket-sized screwdriver, remove the beginning tumbler from the old cylinder located closest to the key side of the cylinder. Identify information technology on the corresponding spot on the paper key diagram.

Continue to remove each of the tumblers from the old cylinder, and use the template (or make a annotation) to remember their position relative to the key. The tumblers are located on the top and bottom of the cylinder and are stamped with numbers to assistance identification.

Set the old cylinder aside. Note the numbers on the former tumblers and record them relative to their position on the central.

Insert the key into the new cylinder and plough information technology to the accessory position. Remove the cylinder from its casing and then remove the central. Apply a small screwdriver to remove the kickoff tumbler closest to the key side. Check the stamped number, and if information technology does not match the number of the corresponding tumbler of the erstwhile cylinder, replace it with a correctly numbered tumbler from the parts provided in the cylinder kit. (Do not re-apply the old tumblers considering they are likely damaged from wear and are the main cause of lock failure.)

If any springs pop out when removing the tumblers, replace them immediately. Continue inspecting and replacing new tumblers until all are consummate. And so, clasp together all the tumblers and insert the old primal. Align the retaining slot and tab, insert the new cylinder into the new casing, and so turn the central to ensure polish performance.

Install the new lock cylinder in the steering column by just reversing the removal procedure. That completes the task, and your vehicle should exist ready to gyre.

Source: https://extremehowto.com/replace-an-ignition-lock-cylinder/

Posted by: greenglan1958.blogspot.com

Share this post