How much does it cost to replace ignition lock cylinder

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How much does an ignition switch replacement cost?

Your engine’s starter needs electrical power before it can spin to fire up the engine, and the ignition switch is the gateway that power is controlled by.

In its normal course of operation, the ignition switch can experience unexpected failure just like any other electrical part, especially when frequent starts are required daily.

An ignition switch usually lasts a car’s lifetime, but sudden failure can occur at any time, although it’s more common on older cars.

The average cost to replace the ignition switch on most cars, including parts and labour, is $150 to $350, but some makes and models are much more expensive.

In some situations, the ignition switch must be replaced along with the ignition cylinder.

What is an ignition switch?

Every type of car has an ignition switch. At its core, it’s a basic switch that powers up the starter circuit to start your engine.

The ignition switch is usually located in the steering column or dash panel, and it’s often attached directly to the ignition cylinder.

Most ignition switches are made of plastic with electrical contacts inside. When the ignition key is turned, the ignition switch completes a circuit and the starter relay is powered.

Contacts inside the switch can corrode or break unexpectedly or the contacts can wear out with excessive use, meaning the circuit isn’t completed when the ignition key is turned.

As well, the ignition switch can stick, continuously cranking the engine or keeping the ignition in the ‘on’ position. If that happens, the ignition switch will need to be replaced.

Symptoms that ignition switch replacement is required

  • Intermittent no-crank when the ignition key is turned
  • The ignition won’t turn to the ‘off’ position
  • The engine will not crank at all
How much does it cost to replace ignition lock cylinder

How is the ignition switch replaced?

  • The technician verifies the concerns and completes an electrical diagnosis
  • If the ignition switch is deemed to be faulty, it must be replaced
  • The battery is disconnected to prevent accidental short circuit
  • The dash panel or steering column covers are removed to access the switch
  • The failed switch is removed and a new ignition switch is fitted
  • The trim is reassembled and the battery reconnected
  • The technician tests to ensure the repair is correct and complete

Tips to remember

  • Some ignition switches incorporate the ignition cylinder and must be replaced as an assembly.
  • Proper diagnosis is important as other problems such as a bad starter or faulty wiring can exhibit the same symptoms.

How important is ignition switch replacement?

Replacing an intermittent or faulty ignition switch can prevent needless frustrations where the engine won’t start. You are able to depend on your car confidently.

Driving your car when the ignition switch isn’t working properly can leave you stranded after you turn the engine off somewhere, or in rare instances, the engine may turn off inadvertently while you’re driving.

If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru.com.au.

We let you search and book from over 1600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.

  • Ignition Cylinder Replacement Cost Comparison
    • Your Mechanic
    • Midas
    • Mr. Tire
    • NAPA
    • Walmart
    • Amazon
  • What Is Ignition Cylinder Replacement?
    • Benefits of Ignition Cylinder Replacement
  • What Is Done during Ignition Cylinder Replacement?
  • When to Get Ignition Cylinder Replacement
  • How to Save Money on Ignition Cylinder Replacement
  • Sample Ignition Cylinder Replacement Costs

Your car’s ignition cylinder is responsible for getting the car to start when you turn the key. It is also often connected to antitheft devices in the car, making it difficult for people to steal your vehicle. With repeated use, the cylinder can wear out and need replacing.

Ignition cylinders, also called ignition cylinder locks, can cost anywhere from $10-$700. More often than not, though, the cost will range between $70 and $250 for the parts and about $70 for the labor. It all depends on the kind of car and cylinder you have. Some of them are incredibly expensive, even if they don’t take much additional work to replace.

Ignition Cylinder Replacement Cost Comparison

Your Mechanic

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 12 months $245-$441

Midas

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 12 months $218-$435

Mr. Tire

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 12 months $265-$460

NAPA

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labour 24 months $271-$408

Walmart

Work Warranty Price
Parts Limited $92-$304

Amazon

Work Warranty Price
Parts Limited $81-$319

What Is Ignition Cylinder Replacement?

In most cars, replacing this cylinder is fairly straightforward. The mechanic can have it done in a few minutes. However, in cars with complex anti-theft devices, it will take a lot more work to disassemble everything and change out the cylinder. You probably know about the level of protection your car has on it against theft, and that may give you some indication of how long and how much money this process is going to take.

Benefits of Ignition Cylinder Replacement

The cylinder is vital to your car’s ignition and security. It keeps thieves from stealing the car or from hot-wiring the ignition. It also allows you to quickly and easily start your car. You will protect your vehicle from theft and ensure that it starts when you try to turn it on, by having the ignition cylinder changed out.

What Is Done during Ignition Cylinder Replacement?

The mechanic will need to assess the problem to ensure that it is the ignition cylinder that needs to be replaced and not something else that causes similar symptoms. Then he will open up the steering wheel and remove the old cylinder and replace it with a new one. In some cases, it may be necessary to take out airbags, the dashboard and other parts of the car to access the cylinder.

Then he can put everything back where it was and test out the cylinder in the garage. This isn’t a repair that needs a road test, in most cases. The mechanic will also test the anti-theft components to ensure that they are all operating as they should.

When to Get Ignition Cylinder Replacement

You don’t want to hesitate to get your ignition system fixed. Even something as small as a cylinder going bad can make it difficult or impossible start your car. That leaves you with a vehicle that you can’t drive anywhere. Because the cylinder is part of the anti-theft system in most vehicles, you also want to replace it as soon as it needs repair to prevent theft. Without that cylinder working as it should be, you can make it easier for thieves to steal your car.

Look for signs that it is time to replace this part of the ignition system. The most common sign is that it is difficult to start the car and that it takes several turns of the key to get the engine to turn on.

You can drive your car to the mechanic if you have this issue, and a tow may not be necessary, but you do not want to wait any longer than you have to to get it taken care of.

How to Save Money on Ignition Cylinder Replacement

If you have a simple ignition cylinder replacement job ahead do you, then you can save some money by doing the work yourself. Hoverer, if you have to take apart a lot of the car to get to that cylinder or you have a serious anti-theft device that’s highly sophisticated or expensive, then we suggest using mechanic for this replacement job.

You may be able to cut your costs in other ways, though, such as by comparing the cost of mechanics who can do the work for you. You can also source parts yourself, which may come in handy for the more expensive ignition cylinders. It’s often cheaper to buy the parts yourself and have the mechanic put them in for you.

Sample Ignition Cylinder Replacement Costs

Model Labor Parts Total
Ford F-Series $123-$156 $188-$285 $311-$441
Chevrolet Silverado $150-$178 $160-$295 $466-$473
Ford Focus $123-$156 $188-$285 $311-$441
Toyota Camry $123-$156 $188-$285 $311-$441
Toyota Corolla $123-$156 $188-$285 $311-$441
Nissan Altima $104-$154 $96-123 $200-$277
Honda CR-V $168-$188 $123-$156 $291-$344
Honda Civic $168-$188 $123-$156 $291-$344
Honda Accord $168-$188 $123-$156 $291-$344
Ford Fusion $123-$156 $188-$285 $311-$441

Ignition Cylinder Costs Submitted By Our Users


Compare your quote to other individuals from around the country to make sure you are getting the best deal. The average for Ignition Cylinder is $456

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How much does it cost to fix an ignition lock cylinder?

The average cost to replace an ignition lock cylinder is $237 for parts and labor. This estimate is an average across all regions and vehicle types. Labor ranges from $45 per hour on the low end to $90 per hour on the high end depending on the region.

Do you need a new key when replacing ignition cylinder?

Does a new ignition switch require a new key? Yes. A new ignition will come with a set of new keys, and they'll have to be programmed to work with your car. You'll need to retain your existing key to open the doors if you aren't replacing all the locks along with the ignition cylinder.

Is replacing an ignition expensive?

Expect to pay between $60 to $180 in labor to have the switch replaced. Generally speaking, ignition switch replacement takes about an hour to an hour and a half. If you add up the average cost of parts and labor, the total ignition switch replacement cost will usually run in the neighborhood of $130 to $480.

Can a locksmith change a lock cylinder?

As with the cylindrical lock, you can usually look on the edge of the door where the bolt projects and find the brand name of the lock. Armed with the brand name of the lock and the cylinder in hand, you can take your cylinder to a locksmith for rekeying or replacement.