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 |  | Average Cost for Part: $50-$250 |  | Standard Installation: $100-$550+ |  | Complex Installation: $300-$900+ |
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The ignition lock cylinder is the part the key fits into; in addition to being a first step in the process that starts the vehicle or activates the windshield wipers, radio, cigarette lighter and other components, the ignition lock cylinder makes theft more difficult. On some vehicles the lock cylinder is a separate component; on others it is a single unit with the electronic ignition switch, which sends power to the starter motor to fire up the engine. Signs of a bad ignition lock cylinder vary: if the tumblers inside the cylinder shift position, the key won't turn at all; if the tumblers are stripped, the cylinder might turn with any key rather than just the ignition key. A heavy key chain can pull on the ignition lock cylinder, either shifting or stripping the tumblers.
Typical costs: |
- An ignition lock cylinder averages about $50-$250 for just the part, but can cost $10-$700 or more, depending on the make and model of vehicle and whether the part is aftermarket (produced by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer) or OEM (produced by the vehicle manufacturer).
- For example, Auto Parts Warehouse[1] charges $39-$177 for an aftermarket lock cylinder for a 2008 Toyota Camry LE and $99 or $119 for a 2008 Ford Focus SE.
- A relatively straightforward installation typically takes 1-2.5 hours of labor at $50-$120 an hour (depending on local rates and whether the work is done by an independent or chain repair shop, or a dealership, which is typically more expensive). This brings typical total costs to $100-$550 or more, parts and labor.
- Complex installations, where it can be necessary to disable the air bags, drop the steering column, remove any anti-theft bolts or other devices, and then (if necessary) reprogram the antitheft system to work with the new key can take four to six hours of labor, making total costs of $300-$900 or more.
Related articles: Ignition Switch Replacement, Ignition Coil Replacement, Starter Motor Replacement, Car Battery, Locksmith
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What should be included: |
- If the vehicle has anti-theft devices (common in newer cars), attempting to remove the lock cylinder and/or the ignition switch without proper tools may make the car inoperable. A mechanic provides a video demonstration[2] of replacing the ignition lock cylinder on a 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT.
Shopping for ignition lock cylinder replacement: |
- An ignition lock cylinder can be replaced by a locksmith, car dealership, an independent repair shop, or car-repair chains like Pep Boys[3] or Sears[4] . Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[5] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[6] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
- Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[7] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: PianoLydia in Sacramento, CA. | Posted: January 8th, 2022 07:01PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Camry LE |
| Car Year: 2001 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Locksmith |
Got ripped off entirely. He repaired instead of replaced as he said he would have to re-flash the computer and get a chip key to match. I thought he meant a new one put in and re-flash for the $500 I was to give him, and he said it would have cost about $800 to do the replacement. So he repaired mine. This is the second repair in 6 months. I am very sad this has happened again. So, the money will be hard to make up in my savings. This repair is aa $250 job, but I guess in California they charge what hey want. My car was in a parking lot, and I needed to get to work, and didn't have many choices as no one wanted to service my car in a small town not in most service areas. This just hurts!!!! |
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| Posted by: Brad Cowan in Santa larita, CA. | Posted: June 12th, 2021 05:06PM |
| Car Make: honda | Car Model: crv |
| Car Year: 2013 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: locksmith |
Locksmith came to my house and repaired lock cylinder in an hour. |
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| Posted by: Wilma J Cherry in LANSING, MI. | Posted: September 30th, 2019 01:09PM |
| Car Make: Chevy | Car Model: Silverado |
| Car Year: 1997 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Auto |
Outback automotive I'm thinking I got a great deal, honest, gave me a 50 dollar tow, which brings me to 259 total. |
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| Posted by: Dalef1980 in Millville, NJ. | Posted: December 28th, 2018 07:12AM |
| Car Make: Nissan | Car Model: Titan Pro-4X |
| Car Year: 2013 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Team Nissan (Dealer) |
I tried to turn the key and got nothing. The dealer originally called in their locksmith. After telling me they tried to cut a new key since they thought my old worn key wasn't matching up with the innards right and that didn't work they finally said it needed to be replaced totally. after 2 days wait and $100 in rental fees from Enterprise it's ready and I will find out what $800 got me. Hopefully it's also coming with a whole new keyless entry along with a new SET of keys (not just one I hope) |
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| Posted by: nelliep45 in psl, FL. | Posted: May 7th, 2017 06:05PM |
| Car Make: chevrolet | Car Model: trailblazer |
| Car Year: 2005 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: self |
Did the job myself, hardest part was removing shroud on steering column. All parts were ac delco new in boxes. youtube video show you how to do. Originally thought it was ignition switch replaced.did not solve problem. replacing the cylinder lock did remedy the problem. |
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| Posted by: Lorrie in Alexandria, VA. | Posted: February 20th, 2017 12:02PM |
| Car Year: 2004 Focus | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Arlington Lock |
Same day service. Parts and labor included. $49.95 for the part and $175 labor. |
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| Posted by: Cincolo in Denver, CO. | Posted: December 26th, 2016 10:12AM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Pilot |
| Car Year: 2005 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Locksmith |
An auto shop actually referred me to the locksmith and flat out stated it would save me more money. |
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| Posted by: Lango in Buffalo grove, IL. | Posted: December 15th, 2016 10:12PM |
| Car Year: 2002 Cadillac deville | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Locksmith |
Knew I had a bad cylinder. It was 0f outside. Windchill -20. He came out and did in 1 hour plus programming key |
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| Posted by: JY in Spartanbuarg, SC. | Posted: June 16th, 2016 02:06AM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Camry |
| Car Year: 2001 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: White's Exxon |
Replaced my ignition cylinder twice, The first cylinder ordered, the new key would get stuck and very difficult to pull out of the ignition. Now there is no power for the clock and radio to run. Ordered another cylinder and some new wiring, The key is still difficult to pull out of ignition switch, but they are still working on both the ignition and the wiring. Radio and clock came on when I parked the car and tried to pull the key out. |
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| Posted by: Genaro in Poughkeepsie, NY. | Posted: June 14th, 2016 05:06PM |
| Car Year: 1997 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Dealers |
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| Posted by: matthew pryke in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: June 6th, 2016 05:06PM |
| Car Make: olds | Car Model: alero |
| Car Year: 2002 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: self done |
someone tried to steal my car and ruined my ignition switch, I hopped on youtube, and found some videos showing me how to replace the entire thing, I spent 75$ on parts |
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| Posted by: Tasha Johnson in Richmond, VA. | Posted: February 15th, 2016 01:02PM |
| Car Year: | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Hyundai Pearson |
Called bap gone was told they didn't have the part and that it was probably a dealer part. besides if I didn't get it fixed at dealer would then have to pay diagnostic fee. |
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| Posted by: Evan Ward in Augusta, KS. | Posted: November 5th, 2015 07:11AM |
| Car Year: 1993 Chevy 3500 Diesel | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Self |
I'm no mechanic but after doing a little research I decided I was up for it. I did borrow the puller kit from O'Reilly'(for free) as was suggested and start to finish was an hour. |
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| Posted by: Ms Terry in Florence, SC. | Posted: July 29th, 2015 01:07PM |
| Car Year: 2004 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Dealership |
Were we ripped off? Our keys got stuck in the ignition and would not turn and the steering wheel would not turn either. The van had to be towed to the dealership. They ended up changing the ignition system |
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| Posted by: Jmb in Pompano, FL. | Posted: June 26th, 2015 04:06PM |
| Car Year: 06 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: lock Smith |
My mechanic told me just take to kick smith cause my key wouldn't turn on car.. my mechanic took out the cylinder was took him five minutes total took the cylinder to the locksmith she took out my key cleaned up the ignition cylinder drained out my tumblrs rekeyed it that cost me $150 I took the ignition cylinder back to my mechanic to reinstall and a seven and a half minutes to put it back together and he didn't charge me.. locksmith is def way to go |
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| Posted by: 1998chevys10 in port saint lucie Florida, FL. | Posted: June 17th, 2015 09:06PM |
| Car Make: 1998 | Car Model: S-10 |
| Car Year: chevy | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Auto Shop |
I purchased a Cheap Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement from CarQuest CS410L Around $23.00 it was defective and did not know it. I removed the old switch by removing the NEG Battery cable and put the old key in and turning it to the crank position then pushed in the release catch and the old cylinder came right out . I pushed the new lock into place then turned the key to start the truck. The tumbler in the new lock was defective . Now i have a Ignition Lock Cylinder that i can not turn into the crank position to remove . The entire steering column had to be disassembled and dropped along with part of the dash removed to separate the Ignition Lock Cylinder from the column. So It should have cost me . $23.00 and it ended up costing me $1350 all because i went with Carquest junk lock Number CS410L . A normal Quality Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement should cost about $69.00 for the part. |
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| Posted by: Patsy De Leon in Hondo Texas, TX. | Posted: June 16th, 2015 04:06PM |
| Car Make: cavalier | Car Model: Chevychevy |
| Car Year: 2002 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: |
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| Posted by: Gluf in National City, CA. | Posted: April 13th, 2015 01:04AM |
| Car Year: 2000 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Ron Baker Chevrolet Service Center |
Helped my dad get his car to dealership, knowing already that it was the lock cylinder that needed to be replaced. Charged $115 for diagnostic, which I already told them what needed to be fixed; $200 for part, and the rest was labor cost. I know that it only takes 30 minutes tops to replace cuz my husband replaced his on his own. But my dad insisted on getting it done professionally. |
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| Posted by: Jacqui in great falls, MT. | Posted: March 25th, 2015 12:03PM |
| Car Year: 1997 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: FLEET MAINTENANCE |
I wonder if I got ripped off, bought a used ignition module for 200.00. Is there even such a thing? A new one was $400. It still did not solve the problem. I told the mechanic that the engine would act like it was going to turn over but it wouldn't and sometimes the key would hang up. Doing some research I am convinced it has to do with the anti theft system. He put a new battery in and that was the problem, nope, towed it back, now the module, nope ( battery $170) don't know if I should tow it back and let these people rip me off again? |
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| Posted by: Very pist off girl /2015 in LA, CA. | Posted: March 24th, 2015 02:03PM |
| Car Year: 2003 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Rotariel Locksmith |
Got $60-$80 quote to get stuck broken key out. $200 and he couldnt do it. He called another guy to replace the ignition and new keys with chip. Was told $300. Like $300 more not $100 more. He leaves metal shavings all over truck. He never put cover back on,and lost the screws. The broken pieces he threw all around my carport on the ground. Then hes done and charges me $40 more for the keys. Refused to fix his mess, plus broke off my steering wheel adjuster and all i can find is the stem of it the handle is just gone like the screws. When i call and complain to Leo about his work he tells me hes the best im a liar and vacuum up the truck myself. The $40 i paid by credit card that he used on his cell phone and still havent gotten my email of my receipt. I had to cancell my card cause theyre crooked and cant be trusted. |
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| Posted by: a user in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: February 11th, 2015 02:02PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Solora |
| Car Year: 2000 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Locksmith |
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| Posted by: Koda in Albany, NY. | Posted: February 10th, 2015 10:02AM |
| Car Make: Hyundai | Car Model: Elantra |
| Car Year: 2003 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Royal Hyundai |
Key wouldn't turn in ignition and steerng wheel wouldn't turn. Had the car towed. The dealer said it was the ignition assembly. Switch, tumblers, housing, etc. Paid $926.42 total. Did I get ripped off and if I did what can I do about it? |
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| Posted by: First car issue in Halifax, Other. | Posted: January 16th, 2015 08:01AM |
| Car Year: 2010 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Kia dealer shop |
Turned key. Got locked up in ACC mode. Car wouldn't turn off or on :( part was 279 and then labour and lock smith charge. |
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| Posted by: Zackwetzel in Seattle, WA. | Posted: January 14th, 2015 12:01PM |
| Car Make: toyota | Car Model: corolla |
| Car Year: 2000 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: self |
yes you got ripped off. unless they are able to explain why it cost this much in a reasonable fashion, you are being taken for a ride. The cylinder removal is not a difficult procedure.. I am not a mechanic and did it in a half hour. They should have simly replaced the cylinder. it sounds like they sent the original cylinder to a locksmith (expensive, like 100-200) vs cylinder (80-120). Still it does not add up to $800! |
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| Posted by: Thida in Lawrence, MA. | Posted: December 13th, 2014 01:12PM |
| Car Year: 2003 | Locksmith or Auto Shop: Meineke |
I just fixed my car because I couldn't turn my keys to start the car, the guy replaced the cylinder and bought the rest of the stuff from a lock smith. I paid $826 at Meineke. Is it a rip off price?? How long does it typically take to fix this kind of problem? How much are the parts? I think the manager at Meineke is lying to me about taking 6 hours on the car. I spoke with his employee and he said it only took 1-2 hours for him to fix it. the manager says his employee doesn't know what's he's talking about, suspicious when his employee fixed the car himself. so manager says $300 something for the new parts & $400 for Labor. I dont know of I'm getting ripped off, but I will be broke for Christmas vacation if I pay this guy the rest of the money. Please help me answer the question. |
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External Resources: |
- www.autopartswarehouse.com/ignition_lock_cylinder~pop.html
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9I4MnRIrHk
- storelocator.pepboys.com/pepboys/
- www.sears.com/automotive/v-1020005
- www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
- autorepair.iatn.net/
- www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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