How to drill out ignition lock cylinder is something many drivers are interested in and looking for.
It is the first place you need to reach when you want to start the car and the part that gets stuck most easily. Mistakes in the implementation can cause many dangers.
So what is the correct method? Let’s check it out.
What Is An Ignition Lock Cylinder?
Short answer: The ignition lock mechanism (or ignition lock cylinder) is a cylindrical mechanical part inside the vehicle.
Inside it are the key control elements of the ignition switch. The main task of this entire unit is to start the car.
This is a design that often appears in older car models. The car can be operated easily by inserting the key into the lock and turning it open.
It uses mechanical force, so users do not need to install any other encryption system.
Most modern car models today have replaced the traditional starter lock with a start button to help the driver operate the car conveniently and easily.
Still, it has yet to dominate the market. Many popular car manufacturers still install manual keys for their products.
Because of manual operation, you must drill the ignition lock cylinder to repair it when it fails. This can be a difficult process, but it gets easier once you get the hang of the basics.
How To Drill Out Ignition Lock Cylinder?
When the ignition key no longer works properly, you should replace it to ensure the working efficiency.
However, doing this is complicated and requires some expertise, as you will have to use a drill.
Because its cylinder has a spring form, to remove it, we need to turn the key to the accessory position (ACC position) to release this mechanism.
Before starting, you need to prepare the following tools:
- Drill
- Gloves
- Glasses
- Hardened drill bit
- Philips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Marker pen
- Lubricants (optional)
Disconnect The Power Supply
Drilling can be dangerous if your vehicle is running on battery power. Thus, the first step to safety is to stop it by opening the hood and disconnecting it before starting.
Take Off Steering Wheel And Plastic Case
Loosen the screws of the plastic cover on the outside of the ignition key with a Philips screwdriver and then gently remove it.
The number of visors you must deal with can vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Use the screwdriver to remove the steering wheel holder and then pull the entire steering wheel out.
Unfastening the steering wheel is optional, but many experts still advise car owners to do this unless the ignition lock is on the dashboard.
Choose Drilling Position
Since our goal is to access the locking mechanism perpendicular to the ignition slot, it is important to determine the correct location to drill.
As directed by professional technicians, the best position to place the drill bit is about 8-10 mm from the keyway. Never do it too close to the slot to avoid damaging it.
Carrying Out Drilling Locks Out Cylinder Process
First, you must wear full protective equipment, gloves, and protective glasses to reduce the risk of injury.
Once everything is ready, get a drill of sufficient hardness to start in the following sequence:
- Put the drill bit into the chuck and tighten it.
- Insert the drill bit into the position selected above.
- Slowly operate the machine, then increase the speed gradually (you can add a little lubricant to remove the set rust).
- Continue drilling until the locking mechanism breaks.
Remove The Ignition Lock Switch Cylinder
Once the locking mechanism is found to be broken, we will remove it by inserting the key into the switch first.
Then take the key to pull out the cylinder. Otherwise, a flat screwdriver can also help you get it out.
Sometimes the cylinder doesn’t pop out easily. In such cases, try to turn the key a few more times and then pull it out.
You are done with the job and can install the new one to keep the car running.
Note: For rear wire connection lock cylinders, completely disconnect them before removing the cylinder.
This is something to be very careful about because many drivers have broken their wires simply because they forgot this step.
How To Drill Out Lock Cylinder Without Key?
Disconnect From Battery
Like the instructions above, the first step is disconnecting the power from the battery and removing the negative terminal.
Once again, we emphasize the importance of this step to protect your safety from the risk of electric shock when any connection is shorted.
Take Out The Steering Wheel And Other Parts
First, you must remove the steering wheel from the way to avoid entanglement when approaching the lock cylinder.
Like the above, we remove the bolts and brackets from the top cover, then remove the cover and steering wheel.
Then, pull the body to the center, remove the connection between the horn and the wire, and remove the steering wheel later.
Next, we take the wiper switch; the indicator switches out.
Get out the steering column cover on the inside by sliding them up when you see them.
Disconnect the ignition switch: Remove the switch screws and then try to pull it out. Don’t forget to remove their connectors.
Remove Bolts: Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove the housing bolt and the cylinder holding switch.
Most models have a universal, interchangeable locking cylinder. You can remove them using the release mechanism.
Look Into The Mounting Bolts
The safety pin in some cars can be removed quite easily. This unit works to prevent the act of replacing the electric lock and stealing the vehicle without the key.
Use the power drill to remove them from the ignition switch and the steering column.
Lock The Cylinders
Insert a straightened clip into the lock post slot and rotate it counter-clockwise. It will lock the cylinder to prevent the ignition cylinder from starting.
Remove The Switch
Place the screwdriver in the lock cylinder and rotate it, but this time clockwise, until it becomes jammed.
Stop turning the screwdriver and move the clamp in the direction just now, then slide the switch out.
These steps can be quite difficult to perform on an old car because most of its parts are rusty.
Changing Ignition Lock Cylinder
In the final step, there will be two options: just cleaning or completely replacing. Please base on the existing condition of the cylinder to make the best decision.
Just keep it as long as it can still work like the original; otherwise, a new one is always the best for your car.
Safety Tips When Drilling Out Ignition Cylinder
While we aim to fix problems quickly and accurately, safety must still be a top priority, especially when using tools like drills.
With this in mind, keep the following safety tips in mind to avoid making mistakes:
- Operators must wear full protective equipment such as gloves and glasses; button up the sleeve. Female car owners must tie their hair neatly.
- Check the firmness and clamping force of the drill. Otherwise, the object will be loosened and rotated according to the drill bit during the working process.
- Put the drill bit in slowly; stop the machine if you want to change the speed.
- When drilling a large, deep hole, you should first prepare a small spot, then hit a larger one.
- When replacing the drill bit, the machine must stop completely.
Should not:
- Use drill bits that show signs of damage, dullness, or cracks.
- Use your mouth to blow or remove chips with your hands while the machine is running.
- Hold the object with your hand.
- Play around, and stick the drill straight at the opposite person.
FAQs
Why Is The Key Stuck In The Ignition?
Car drivers will at least once have a problem even though the car has started, but the steering wheel is stiff. Many people easily fall into a state of panic when they encounter this error.
- The cause of the car’s steering wheel being locked comes from the fact that the previous driver turned the steering wheel after the vehicle had turned off. This is usually the main cause of it being locked.
- The second cause is dirt or something deep inside the lock that makes the key not fully inserted into the lock. There are cases of children playing with toothpicks, wood, or twigs.
- It is also possible that the thief broke the lock. The lock is too hard to rotate, but the tool to break it is still scattered inside, jamming it. Sometimes it’s not your car’s ignition system or vehicle that is at fault; the broken key itself is the problem.
What Drill Bit Should I Use?
Using high-speed drills can be risky. It would help to use hard drill bits at low speed as they cause little or no damage to the drilled metal.
Titanium is more prone to breakage, so cobalt is the one you should use.
Conclusion
Above are detailed instructions on how to drill out ignition lock cylinder.
This is the part that directly affects the start of the car, so car owners need to be equipped with this knowledge to handle and maintain the stable operation of the vehicle promptly.
Hope this article will help you. Thanks for reading.