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CostHelper > Cars  > Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement

Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement Cost


How Much Does Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement Cost?

 
low costAverage Cost for Part: $50-$250average costStandard Installation: $100-$550+high costComplex Installation: $300-$900+

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

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
Ignition Cylinder repair instead of replacement
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: PianoLydia in Sacramento, CA.Posted: January 8th, 2022 07:01PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry LE
Car Year: 2001Locksmith 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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2013 honda crv ignition cylinder repair
Amount: $180.00
Posted by: Brad Cowan in Santa larita, CA.Posted: June 12th, 2021 05:06PM
Car Make: hondaCar Model: crv
Car Year: 2013Locksmith or Auto Shop: locksmith
Locksmith came to my house and repaired lock cylinder in an hour.
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Ignition cylinder
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Wilma J Cherry in LANSING, MI.Posted: September 30th, 2019 01:09PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Silverado
Car Year: 1997Locksmith 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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Ignition Tumbler
Amount: $880.00
Posted by: Dalef1980 in Millville, NJ.Posted: December 28th, 2018 07:12AM
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Titan Pro-4X
Car Year: 2013Locksmith 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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ignitions switch and cylinder lock replacement
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: nelliep45 in psl, FL.Posted: May 7th, 2017 06:05PM
Car Make: chevroletCar Model: trailblazer
Car Year: 2005Locksmith 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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Ignition cylinder
Amount: $225.00
Posted by: Lorrie in Alexandria, VA.Posted: February 20th, 2017 12:02PM
Car Year: 2004 FocusLocksmith or Auto Shop: Arlington Lock
Same day service. Parts and labor included. $49.95 for the part and $175 labor.
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New Ignition Cylinder
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Cincolo in Denver, CO.Posted: December 26th, 2016 10:12AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Pilot
Car Year: 2005Locksmith 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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Lock cylinder replacement
Amount: $275.00
Posted by: Lango in Buffalo grove, IL.Posted: December 15th, 2016 10:12PM
Car Year: 2002 Cadillac devilleLocksmith 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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Ingition Cylinder replaced on Toyota
Amount: $217.00
Posted by: JY in Spartanbuarg, SC.Posted: June 16th, 2016 02:06AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Car Year: 2001Locksmith 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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Ignition cylinder
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: Genaro in Poughkeepsie, NY.Posted: June 14th, 2016 05:06PM
Car Year: 1997Locksmith or Auto Shop: Dealers
None
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replace ignition switch in 2002 alero after attempted theft
Amount: $75.00
Posted by: matthew pryke in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: June 6th, 2016 05:06PM
Car Make: oldsCar Model: alero
Car Year: 2002Locksmith or Auto Shop: self done
someone tried to steal my car and ruined my ignition switch, I hopped on youtube, and found some videos showing me how to replace the entire thing, I spent 75$ on parts
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Dealer did it
Amount: $375.00
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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Lock cylinder replacement
Amount: $23.00
Posted by: Evan Ward in Augusta, KS.Posted: November 5th, 2015 07:11AM
Car Year: 1993 Chevy 3500 DieselLocksmith 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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Ignition key replacement
Amount: $534.35
Posted by: Ms Terry in Florence, SC.Posted: July 29th, 2015 01:07PM
Car Year: 2004Locksmith 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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Kia Rio
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Jmb in Pompano, FL.Posted: June 26th, 2015 04:06PM
Car Year: 06Locksmith 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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1998 chevy s10 truck Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement
Amount: $1,350.00
Posted by: 1998chevys10 in port saint lucie Florida, FL.Posted: June 17th, 2015 09:06PM
Car Make: 1998Car Model: S-10
Car Year: chevyLocksmith 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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Domingo vara Chevy fixs ignition
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Patsy De Leon in Hondo Texas, TX.Posted: June 16th, 2015 04:06PM
Car Make: cavalierCar Model: Chevychevy
Car Year: 2002Locksmith or Auto Shop:
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Avoid Dealerships!
Amount: $585.00
Posted by: Gluf in National City, CA.Posted: April 13th, 2015 01:04AM
Car Year: 2000Locksmith 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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ignition module
Amount: $259.00
Posted by: Jacqui in great falls, MT.Posted: March 25th, 2015 12:03PM
Car Year: 1997Locksmith 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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ignition replacement and new keys with chip
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Very pist off girl /2015 in LA, CA.Posted: March 24th, 2015 02:03PM
Car Year: 2003Locksmith 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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Ignition Cylinder
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: a user in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: February 11th, 2015 02:02PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Solora
Car Year: 2000Locksmith or Auto Shop: Locksmith
Done in 30mins!
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2004 hyundai elantra
Amount: $926.42
Posted by: Koda in Albany, NY.Posted: February 10th, 2015 10:02AM
Car Make: HyundaiCar Model: Elantra
Car Year: 2003Locksmith 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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Lock cylinder
Amount: $482.00
Posted by: First car issue in Halifax, Other.Posted: January 16th, 2015 08:01AM
Car Year: 2010Locksmith 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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ignition cylinder
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Zackwetzel in Seattle, WA.Posted: January 14th, 2015 12:01PM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: corolla
Car Year: 2000Locksmith 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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Meineke is expensive
Amount: $826.00
Posted by: Thida in Lawrence, MA.Posted: December 13th, 2014 01:12PM
Car Year: 2003Locksmith 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:
  1.  www.autopartswarehouse.com/ignition_lock_cylinder~pop.html
  2.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9I4MnRIrHk
  3.  storelocator.pepboys.com/pepboys/
  4.  www.sears.com/automotive/v-1020005
  5.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  6.  autorepair.iatn.net/
  7.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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