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How To

How to Change Lock Cylinders

Contributor
By Chris Moore
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

The doors and the ignition switch in your car use lock cylinders that work with your keys. If you change a lock cylinder, you need to change the key as well. A new lock cylinder should include its own key. If you are changing a door's cylinder, change all of them so they use the same key.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

    Ignition

  1. Step 1

    Disconnect the car's negative battery cable.

  2. Step 2

    Remove the covers from the steering column, usually by removing the screws holding the lower cover in place and then separating the two covers.

  3. Step 3

    Insert the ignition key into the cylinder, making sure the vehicle is in Park if it has automatic transmission. Turn the key so it is in the "Run" or "Start" position.

  4. Step 4

    Locate a hole in the lock cylinder, insert a small screwdriver or drill bit into the hole to release the detent or retainer and pull out the cylinder.

  5. Step 5

    Insert the key for the new lock cylinder into that cylinder and insert the cylinder into the steering column, aligning it so the cylinder and key will be in the "Run" position. Push the cylinder in place until you hear the retainer click into place, then turn the switch to the "Off" position.

  6. Step 6

    Reconnect the covers for the steering column and the negative battery cable.

  7. Doors

  8. Step 1

    Disconnect the door's inner trim panel. Remove the window crank by rubbing a towel behind it to disconnect its clip, or pry out the power controls with a trim stick and disconnect their connectors. Locate and remove all the retaining screws on the panel, then lift the panel off its clips and disconnect all electrical connectors from behind it. Peel back the watershield.

  9. Step 2

    Detach the actuating rods for the door handle and the lock cylinder. Disconnect any electrical connectors that are in the way of the door handle and cylinder.

  10. Step 3

    Remove the mounting bolts or other fasteners for the door handle and remove it; this can require a screwdriver or wrench depending on the model.

  11. Step 4

    Remove the fasteners for the lock cylinder and remove it. You may need a pliers to pry it out.

  12. Step 5

    Insert the new lock cylinder and apply the fasteners.

  13. Step 6

    Reconnect the door handle and the other parts in the reverse order of removal.

Tips & Warnings
  • Get backup copies made of the new key and discard the keys for the old cylinder.
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