Ignition Rekey

Locksmiths have being rekeying ignitions ever since locks could be rekeyed. No matter what type of ignition it is, if it can be put back together, it can be rekeyed. Being able to put the ignition lock back together is a very important part of the rekeying process, as pretty much anything can be taken apart. To find out why reassembly is so important for rekeying we will need to talk about what rekeying means exactly.

As you may have guessed from the name, “rekeying” is the process of changing the key that works with an existing lock. The difference between rekeying and replacing is that the lock, which is in use, is not being removed permanently. To rekey ignition cylinders, the cylinder just needs to be removed so that the internal components can be accessed. In the case of car locks and ignitions, these components are most likely going to be wafers.

When the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves all of these wafers to a uniform height. This “uniform height” is referred to as the shear line of a lock. With all of the internal components of a lock resting on the shear line, the plug of the device is free to turn. Without the correct key, all of the wafers are different distances from the shear line.

The reason for this has to do with the cuts on your key. For car locks, the key will most likely have a double-sided wafer interface or a slider cut. Regardless of the style of lock, your technician will be able to replace the small locking appliances. To rekey ignition cylinders, the first thing that needs to be done is access the cylinder.

In order to access the ignition cylinder, the locksmith will begin removing the dashboard panels. Before doing this, the battery of the car should be disconnected. This prevents electric shock, and will keep the key manipulation from cranking the engine or turning on the electronic systems. These are plastic pieces that require different unlocking methods and a distinct order of disassembly.

If you are attempting to complete this process yourself, know that most cars will use a set of tamper-resistant screws, and you will need special tools for this type of job. Screws will be removed and snap latches will need to be disconnected. Snap latches can be very tricky. The greatest display of a professional is for them to be able to undo these latches without breaking them.

This will take artistry that can only be gained through experience. Sometimes these latches need to be manhandled as part of their design, and other times rough treatment will result in the latch breaking. Only a professional will be able to truly know the difference.

After all of the necessary panels have been taken off the dash the ignition housing will be exposed. At this point in the process to rekey ignition cylinders, the cylinder will be removed temporarily. The key will be inserted into the ignition and turned to a specific position. This position will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

In most cases it will be the accessory position, but could also be the “ON” position, the accessory into the “ON position, or even the “ON into the start position. When the cylinder is faulty, you may not be able to get the key into position yourself, and this is where the assistance of a locksmith will really come in handy. Once the key is moved to the proper position, there will be at least one security pin that will need to be depressed.

This will be accessible through a small hole somewhere on the cylinder housing. Accessing this tool will take a properly sized tool. If the cylinder is stuck, wiggling the key back and forth as the side pin is depressed can solve this. In the event that the cylinder is truly stuck, there may be some sort of further protection such as an additional pin or screw.

With the cylinder outside of the housing, there are still some metal bits that need to be taken off. The exact place on the cylinder will depend on the type of car. Often there will be several clips and castles. Once all of these additional parts are taken off, the lock can now be rekeyed. When the key is removed, this will free up all of the wafers or pins. If there are pins/wafers, which are bound in place, these will need to be removed more forcibly.

With the code of the new key, your locksmith will insert new locking parts that correspond to the different key cuts. The cylinder will need to be put back together, then the key will be moved into the same position required to remove it in order to reinstall it in the housing. The car can battery should be reconnected to see if the key is working properly. Then the panels can be put back together. That is what it takes to rekey ignition cylinders.

DIY Ignition Rekeying Problems

Lots of things can go wrong with doing this kind of work yourself. The panels can break, and then you will be left with exposed wires in your car. The latches may break, and that will create a hassle for reassembly, and may call for permanent reattachment. While the panels are off during the process required to rekey ignition cylinders, the exposed wires can be damaged or unplugged. Using tools to interfere with your ignition housing can also damage the car.

Poking and prodding the assembly can mess with connections that are used to start the vehicle, and that will require further repairs. Once the plug of the cylinder is exposed, and wafers are being removed, it is very easy to lose parts. Things like small springs are hard to find if they fall on the ground, but they are unbelievably necessary to the lock. To avoid making a mistake that could damage your car, it is always best to hand over the reigns to a trained professional.