difference between ign lock cyl and tumbler?

[flyinlo28]

Hey guys,

Just had my ignition lock cylinder replaced about 2 months ago and now I'm having the dreaded security light issue. I know about the VATS bypass but still wanted to take it to my mechanic. He told me that it sounds like the tumbler is going out. Does that sound like it could be the case? Also, I just wanted to know the difference between the tumbler and the ign lock cylinder. Appreciate it.

[KMdef9]

Anything that involves a key (at least now) has a tumbler. A tumbler changes to the contour of your key allowing the igintion to move, this is what makes keys unique to each application. Your igintion cylinder has tumbler in it, amongst other things. I don't think you can replace the tumbler by itself. When mine got replaced the whole thing went (40 or 50 dollar part), which means new keys.

I would be second guessing this mechanics honesty b/c the tumbler has nothing to do with the security light. The ignition cylinder does (as a whole), as it senses the resistor chip in your key, which is then matched (if the correct key) in the computer and allows the car to start. Hopefully he isn't refering a tumbler as a iginiton cylinder.

If the tabs that touch the key are not making contact anymore, this means poor installation or a faulty part. I'd try alittle WD-40 in it and see what results you get. Otherwise, try taking back to where you had cylinder replaced and hopefully they warranty their work.

[flyinlo28]

Thanks for the info. Im going to talk to him today and see what he says. Sounds like they may have just done a spotty job, but who knows. Or when they gave me the new set of keys, they werent matched properly (resistor-wise). If he says its the "tumbler" that has now "gone out", then Ill get the hell outta there. Keep yall updated. Thanks again.

[Cutlass]

your mechanic might just be using the wrong jargon. Well I won't exactly call it wrong, to me tumbler and ignition cylinder are just about interchangeable.