How to Bypass Ignition Lock Cylinder
There may come a time when you need to start your vehicle, but the ignition lock cylinder prevents you from doing so. But, whether you’ve lost your key, broken off inside the cylinder, or don’t have one, there are ways to get around it. In this article, we’ll discuss four methods on how to bypass ignition lock cylinder. Keep reading for more information!
Ignition lock cylinders are a popular choice for a vehicle’s security system. The lock cylinder is attached to the steering column and hidden from plain sight, usually underneath a rubber cap. They are even more effective when used with an immobilizing alarm system because the ignition will not start if the car has been tampered with or moved without having a key inserted into the ignition switch.
A Detailed Guide on How to Bypass Ignition Lock Cylinder
Method 1: Using a Bump Key
A Bump key is a type of skeleton key that uses the ignition lock cylinder’s shear line. A typical ignition lock has one shear line, but keys with specially cut angles allow for multiple shear lines and thus more possible positions of the lock core relative to its housing.
You need two screwdrivers and pliers, yes, just like that.
First, remove the plastic cap on the ignition lock, then use a screwdriver to push on the metal pins on your car’s key while turning the key in the opposite direction. How hard you must push depends on how old your car is, and usually, newer cars do not have this method of bypassing.
Once done correctly, one of these metal pins will pop out and allow you to remove your entire ignition lock cylinder and thus open up your door without needing any extra tools or skills. There are, however, several major flaws that come with using this technique; the first is that it requires an additional person to help you.
Secondly, like most other methods, there’s still a chance that it can damage your locks, making them unusable (although unlikely), and finally, it’s quite time-consuming compared to other methods.
Method 2: Using a Bump Hammer
As the name suggests, this method utilizes a ‘Bump Hammer’, which is just another type of lock pick that works by pushing pins up to create an opening in your ignition lock cylinder.
The first step is to remove the metal cap on top of the cylinder, just like how it was done previously, then insert the bump key tool into your car’s ignition lock, leaving excess room for you to fit in a flathead screwdriver right above it.
Next, push down the bump key, but make sure you hold both locks using your fingers or pliers while keeping them upright. How hard you must push depends on how old your car is, and usually, newer cars do not have this method of bypassing.
Now slowly turn your key counter-clockwise. If done properly, one of your metal pins will pop out, allowing you to remove the entire ignition lock cylinder and thus open up your car without needing extra tools or skills.
Although this method is slightly easier than the previous, it still requires an additional person to help you, which can be very frustrating if you are at home alone with no one else around.
The last flaw is that it can sometimes jam your locks, making them unusable.
Method 3: Using any Screwdriver
Requirements: Screwdriver and a Quarter
This method works best with older model cars. It still may work on some newer vehicles, but if you do not have an older car for this to work on, then see method 4 for other options. This method is also another one where it helps if your ignition barrel has already been removed.
If you can remove it without removing the steering wheel, it would be best to do so before getting started here. Also, this will require you already know how to remove the steering wheel because we will need access behind it at some point during this procedure. However, since many cars’ ignition barrels are put in from the side of the wheel instead of underneath, I will give a brief explanation of how to remove the steering wheel from a car that is done this way.
Step 1: Use Your Screwdriver to Pry Off the Rubber
This rubber cover will be stuck to the vehicle in several ways on many cars. First, you can check for yourself how it is attached. It would help if you already knew where your ignition key goes into your steering wheel by checking if you can turn it or not, but remember this method should work even with a steering wheel that has been locked with no way of turning it at all.
Start by using your flathead screwdriver to pry off just the very top lid of the rubber cover, then repeat on all four sides until you have one whole side detached from the steering wheel. Sometimes screws are holding down smaller lids that also need to be removed, so look out for those and remove them if you find any.
Step 2: Insert Your Quarter into the Holes and Pry it Open.
Use your quarter to pry open the rubber cover, starting by pushing it into one of the holes opposite from where one of the lids was removed. Do not try using this method on a wheel with screws attaching it to place because if they are too tight, you may strip them or bend them, making your job harder than need is.
Once again, always make sure all tools you use cannot damage anything else around them, such as car parts or steering wheel components like different switches and controls.
Once you have pushed in your quarter (be careful not to scratch up your car with the coin) above one of these holes, you will want to use it as leverage to pull the rubber cover off. Work your way around all four sides until you have successfully removed one-half of the rubber cover.
Step 3: Get Your Screwdriver and Push It Through One of the Holes
Turn your screwdriver so that one side points up and pushes it through a hole where there is no longer a lid covering it. You can move it back and forth and twist it if necessary to ensure that this method works quickly.
If you find anything give way, this may not be a good idea for your car because chances are if something has broken already. Other things may soon follow, such as cracking, breaking off, or even scratching or tearing completely open with sharp edges.
Step 4: Turn Your Screwdriver So the Metal Side is Up, and It will Unlock your Ignition.
As soon as you have a firm grip on your screwdriver, turn it so that the metal side is up. This should move whatever was blocking the ignition from turning, allowing you to start your car without a key. Once again, some newer cars may not be as easy as this, but it does not hurt to try.
If you find yourself unable to pry open your steering wheel anymore or you think there may be screws holding down some lids, then do not force anything any longer because chances are if something has broken already. Other things may soon follow, such as cracking, breaking off, or even scratching or tearing completely open with sharp edges.
Method 4: Using a Piece of Rubber
This method is straightforward, and you should already have enough supplies at home. You need either an old piece of rubber or an old shoelace, some water, and some cooking oil. This method works because the oil dissolves the adhesive, holding your ignition in place while the water breaks it down so you can push it out with ease.
Step 1: Put Some Oil on Your Old Piece of Rubber
Put just enough cooking oil onto your piece of rubber to thoroughly cover all parts that are visible when looking through both sides. You will want to use more than one drop but less than half a teaspoon full.
Step 2: Wet One Side of the Rubber
Take one side of your rubber and thoroughly wet it with water from a spray bottle or something similar. How much depends on how big that piece is, but you will need just enough for it to form a small puddle when everything is pressed together.
Step 3: Attach Your Rubber to the Cylinder
Place the side of your rubber with oil on it against your ignition and attach it as best as you can. This works because the oil dissolves the adhesive, holding everything together while the water breaks it down so you can push it out with ease. The difference with using just a piece of rubber is that since there is no adhesive to dissolve, you will be able to start your car without oil on hand.
Step 4: Push Out Your Ignition
Like with the previous method, use your quarter (be careful not to scratch up your car with the coin) or leverage against one of the holes and push out your ignition. This works because the oil dissolves the adhesive, holding everything together while the water breaks it down so you can push it out with ease.
This will affect your car because there may be a bit of residue left on whatever part of your wheel you pushed across, but other than that, nothing should happen even if your wheel is not oil capable. These methods will help in how to bypass ignition lock cylinder.
You Can Check it Out to Break a Steering Wheel Lock Pin
Conclusion
If you have lost your ignition key or the key has been stolen, do not despair. There is a way to start your car without having the original key. All you need is a lock picking set and a little bit of patience. This article outlined how to bypass ignition lock cylinder using a standard lock picking set. So don’t waste any more time; get started right away!
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Louis Wein
Louis has always been fascinated by cars. He loves the way they look, the sound of the engine, and how they make him feel when he's driving. He is always keen to learn more about different mechanics of cars and how the engine contributes to other aspects of the car. As an automotive technician with over 10 years of experience, he knew how they worked and loved taking them apart to see how they went back together. He was especially interested in the mechanics of combustion engines and loved finding ways to make them more efficient. He loves to work on cars and help people keep their vehicles running smoothly. As a senior editor, he enjoys contributing to Diy quickly because it allows him to share his knowledge and expertise with others.
