Ignition lock cylinder symptoms

Issues powering on the vehicle. If when they key is inserted and turne the accessories do not power on, then that may be a sign of an issue with the ignition switch, or lock cylinder. Similar symptoms can also be caused by fuse and wiring issues, so having the vehicle properly diagnosed is highly recommended. If your vehicle is having trouble starting, it could be showing signs of a failing ignition switch.

Some symptoms may be similar to other problems like starter motor issues. If your ignition switch is showing signs of malfunction, you will notice a wide variety difficulties which need to be investigated to find the underlying problem. The Strattec ignition lock cylinder kits are a brand that I am familiar with for solving Ford ignition lock cylinder problems. The kit includes the tumblers, springs, lithium grease and an improved housing over the old design.

They cover removing the lock cylinder from your specific year and model car on. The switch itself consists of a lock cylinder (in which you insert the car key) and the electrical switching mechanism which connects the battery with the starter. Either it fails or the lock cylinder mechanism fails. They also include a car that stalls out frequently when idling and an ignition switch that is very hot to the touch.

It is usually located on the steering column, just behind the ignition lock cylinder. The two work together to power on and start the vehicle. Key-type ignition switches use a keyed lock cylinder to control the position and function of the switch. Normal tumbler wear and the accumulation of dust and detritus in the cylinder can cause the switch to be resistant to turning, and could exclude or trap the key.

A failing ignition switch can cause system-wide problems ranging from the ability of the car to start, to maintaining speed and even keeping the radio turned on. Careful car owners can recognize the symptoms of ignition switch failure before the problem leaves them stranded on the side of the road. The ignition switch also serves as a theft prevention device.

The key portion of the switch (which is often a separate component from the multi-contact electrical part of the switch) works like any other lock. Inserting a key into the switch moves a row of pins inside a cylinder. Attempt to start the engine.

If the engine stalls, wait another minutes with the key on. After the second minute timer has expire turn the key off for seconds.

In many cases, a lock cylinder and key were added to discourage auto theft an in other cases, a steering shaft lock was incorporated into the ignition switch to further inhibit theft. When a key is inserted in the switch, a row of pins inside a cylinder are moved. A key is required to turn the switch, and the key portion of the switch works just like any other lock.

If the pins line up as they shoul the cylinder will turn and let the switch change positions.

Common causes of ignition lock failure. The most common causes of ignition lock failure or ignition lock assembly failure is excessive, ongoing wear. This is precisely why it’s more typical for older Porsche vehicles, or cars with higher mileage that have undergone extensive wear, to experience ignition problems.

The inside of your ignition lock has several rows of spring-loaded pins that match up with your key when you insert it. This is what allows the key to turn and thereby start the vehicle. The pins can get stuck or out of alignment, and the springs can also stick and may weaken over time. The lock cylinder usually gets a break in the wiring and this happens.

The brake warning light should illuminate when you apply the parking brake and then turn the ignition switch on. When the ignition switch is failing, the brake warning light may not come on under these conditions, or else it lights up and then goes out. Bad ingition switch or ignition lock cylinder ? If I turn the key all the way to try and start it and let go of the key, it will turn over, start up for a second and cut off. It should be the same as the key. Watch the ohmmeter while turning the key all the way to crank position and back to off several times.

For the most part, an ignition switch or assembly can be a straight-forward repair where labor costs are around $to $150. If the key will not turn, despite best intentions, then labor prices will rise because removal usually requires the turning of the cylinder. In most Ford models these two parts are combined into one unit with four positions that the starter key turns to through the ignition process: off, accessories, on, and start. Either the ignition switch or the lock cylinder may fail in a car, but both circumstances have very different symptoms.

What typically happens is that the electrical portion of the ignition switch fails which in issues such as no start, no dash lights, no warning lights etc. Ignition Switch Replacement. This ignites the fuel and makes your vehicle run.

The severity of the symptoms vary according to which of the ignition coils are failing. Remove four bolts retaining lower steering column shroud and remove lower steering column shroud. Remove lock screw and disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector. Two symptoms indicate a defective igniton switch: While drving the vehicle, the engine just quits.

There is no stuttering, stalling, or engine misfires, it quietly just quits. The radio, heater fan, brake lights still work but not the signal lights. Engine Dies After Starting. This is one of the most common symptoms of a bad ignition switch. Worn contacts inside the switch may cause a momentarily loss of voltage as a result of heat or vibration.

This ensures that the starter gear is disengaged. So, once the lock is remove if the key and lock cylinder does not turn, it is more than likely the first three scenario’s. If the key and cylinder do turn outside the housing, than it is likely the ignition gears in the housing.

I recommend testing the starter relay first since it is the easiest to test. Safety Reminders: Step 6: Inspect the new ignition lock cylinder assembly for any signs of damage. Put the key into the new ignition lock cylinder , and insert it into the ignition switch cavity.

Step 7: Secure the new cylinder into place by turning the key to the accessory position and then back to the off position. Your Jeep Grand Cherokee ignition lock cylinder is the part of your ignition system you insert your key into, and it’s responsible for interfacing with the ignition switch to start your vehicle. If the lock cylinder or key becomes worn, the key feels loose in the cylinder and eventually stops working.

How to fix a broken ignition tumbler switch - Mazda. Recoding a new ignition lock cylinder - Duration: 3:18.