Does changing the car lock cylinder have any impact on the vehicle?
3 Answers
No. Basically, the entire set is replaced. Additional information: 1. Things to note when changing car locks: Changing the car lock cylinder does not affect the remote lock, but the ignition key cylinder and trunk lock must also be replaced—essentially, the whole set is replaced. 2. Car anti-theft locks can be broadly categorized into three types based on technical principles: mechanical anti-theft locks, electronic anti-theft alarm locks, and networked anti-theft (positioning, tracking) systems. 3. Car anti-theft locks include: electronic car anti-theft locks, network car anti-theft locks, fuel line locks, clutch and brake anti-theft locks, wheel locks, gearshift locks, steering wheel locks, and car anti-theft magnetic plates, among others.
Just had my car's lock cylinder replaced a few days ago, let me share my experience. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic warned me that the OEM lock cylinder comes with an anti-theft chip. If replaced with an aftermarket part, the anti-theft function would be completely disabled. I chose the cheaper aftermarket option which saved me over 300 yuan, but the car keeps beeping alarm sounds when starting with the mechanical key. Later I found out it's because the ECU can't recognize the key chip - I have to keep the original key nearby every time to start the car. The mechanic said the only permanent solution is to go back to the dealership to reset the anti-theft system, but the labor cost would almost match the price of a new lock cylinder. So replacing a lock cylinder isn't just a simple part swap, especially for these modern push-to-start models.
I learned a hard lesson when replacing the lock cylinder on my decade-old car. To save money, I went to a roadside stall for an aftermarket lock cylinder, only to find water seeping through the doors after driving through rain to a car wash. The veteran mechanic diagnosed that the aftermarket cylinder was a millimeter off in size, preventing the sealing gasket from compressing properly. The biggest headache was readjusting the trunk lock linkage rod angle - the mechanic had to disassemble and reassemble it three times to align it correctly, breaking two door panel clips in the process. Now I have to forcefully press the door handle every time I lock the car, otherwise the latch won't engage fully. This experience taught me that lock cylinder replacement should always be done by professionals - improper installation of aftermarket parts can wreak havoc on door panels and interior trim.
