Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement Cost
The ignition lock cylinder, separate from the ignition switch, is simply the part the key fits into, and depending on your car setup, this part may be a separate component or designed as a single unit with an electronic ignition switch, which is a part designed to power the starter motor in order to start the engine.
If this part were to fail, the key either will not turn, due to the cylinders inside not shifting into position, or the cylinder, as the key is turning, will turn along with it, most often due to the tumblers inside being stripped.
The reported ignition lock cylinder replacement costs
The costs of replacing an ignition lock cylinder will greatly depend on the vehicle you’re driving, the mechanic/dealership you use and the geographical location. As for just the part, the costs can range from as little as $35 for a basic aftermarket ignition lock cylinder to as much as $450 for a “smart” lock cylinder, which is designed for an anti-theft system. To get an idea of just the parts, as it can vary with your vehicle’s make and model, AutoZone has a list of more than 600 parts you can browse to see what the part itself can cost.
As for the labor, the process is often straightforward and will only take a trained mechanic about one to two hours to complete the job, meaining, the labor rates, depending on your locality, can range from $65 to more than $200. In total, be prepared to spend about $275 to $500 for both the parts and professional labor. In some cases, a locksmith may be able to resolve the problem for less than $150 in most scenarios.
In some cases, however, albeit rare, there are circumstances where the airbags and/or anti-theft devices need to be removed in order to install the new ignition lock cylinder as this is a process often seen in your higher-end vehicles such as BMW and Porsche. In this case, the labor costs could greatly increase, often to as much as $750+, but again, if you’re not driving a luxury vehicle, then this isn’t an estimate you will probably see. In some cases, if the vehicle has an anti-theft device, certain tools may need to be used or else the car may be considered inoperable.
| Make/Model | Reported Costs (labor+parts) |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cavalier | $455 |
| Chevrolet Cobalt | $315 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | $219 |
| Ford Focus | $275 |
| Honda Accord | $299 |
| Honda Civic | $335 |
| Honda Pilot | $250 |
| Kia Optima | $475 |
| Toyota Camry | $317 |
The repair process
To confirm the ignition lock cylinder is, indeed, the culprit, the mechanic will first want to use the key to see how it interacts with the ignition lock cylinder. By inserting and removing the key, this will tell the mechanic which parts will be needed to be replaced.
Depending on how the switch failed, the repair can either be straightforward and relatively easy or it can become quite complex. If, for instance, the entire ignition switch and lock cylinder are one part, then the replacement process can be hard in case of a failure. However, if the cylinder works, then the switch itself will not be that hard to remove.
To start, the battery will be disconnected and the steering column bolts will be removed in order to access the ignition lock cylinder.
Removing the steering column cover, the ignition lock cylinder cover, either made of metal or plastic, will be removed, followed by the entire part. The removal process will vary depending on the individual manufacturer.
Next, the cylinder will be removed from the housing by inserting the key and unlocking the steering wheel, which allows the mechanic to free it from the vehicle.
Once in hand, the top of the ignition lock assembly will be unscrewed and the new part, again, depending on the manufacturer, will be installed.
When the new lock cylinder is installed, it will be installed back onto the vehicle in reverse order, and the mechanic will reconnect the battery, check for any error codes and start the car to make sure the problem resolved itself.
How does this part work?
When the correct key is inserted, the lock sensor, located inside of the cylinder, will allow the small actuators to rotate, effectively starting the car. In most cars, as long as the car is either in the park or neutral position, the ignition switch will remain locked and is done so in a way to prevent the car from starting in a harmful manner.
Symptoms of a poor ignition lock cylinder
When the part fails, you will either have to wiggle the key excessively or shake it before the car starts.
In some cases, the key can be removed, even when the car is in the start position or the ignition can run no matter what, even with the key removed. RepairPal.com notes, in this case, the repair can be much easier as the cylinder can simply be removed without having to remove the entire steering column.
A faulty ignition lock cylinder can also keep your key, not allowing you to remove it from the cylinder or you may be unable to insert the key fully.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
