What to Do, Ignition Cylinder Problems

You have arrived at the right place if you are searching for information on what to do in regards to ignition cylinder problems. We are based in Strongsville, OH but we are confident that no matter where you live, you will find this information to be helpful. Anyone, anywhere can end up having problems with their ignition cylinder. And now you will know what to do! So, if you arrived here because you were searching for something along the lines of:

“My key is stuck in the ignition cylinder!”
“My key is jammed in the ignition cylinder”
“My key broke off in the ignition”
Then you are in the right spot.

You need automotive locksmith advice to help out with these situations. Ignition cylinders are built to be strong, but that doesn’t mean that they will last forever or that problems will never arise. Have a look at the following issues and see if any of them match what you are dealing with.

Ignition Cylinder Problems These are all scenarios that our team is frequently called for. 

• The key has broken off inside the ignition cylinder.

You might have a key that has broken inside of the ignition cylinder, or it might simply be stuck. Here is what you can do if it is stuck. Make sure your wheel is in the right position. Turn it gently from side to side, while very gently pulling the key. Sometimes, it is only stuck because of the position of the steering wheel! You will likely have an “ah ha” moment when you pull it out, but in a state of panic, it can be difficult to remember to do this. If, on the other hand, the key has broken off inside, it is a good idea to get on the phone with a locksmith. You can end up doing more damage if you try to force the key out.

What might start out as the need for broken key extraction could turn into the need for ignition cylinder replacement. Let’s avoid this, if possible! 

• The car doesn’t immediately start. 

You should be able to start your car simply when you turn the key. But if this isn’t happening, then check to ensure your battery isn’t dying. Push down on the accelerator in an attempt to give the car gas, and see if it starts then. You should be able to pinpoint if you just have a low battery or not. In some cases, the issue is in fact the ignition cylinder. Not to worry, a locksmith can replace it.  

• The vehicle does not start at all. 

Did you already pull out the jumper cables? Did you try giving the car some gas while attempting to turn the key? If you have gas, and the battery isn’t dead, contact a locksmith. An expert will be able to tell you if the problem is the ignition cylinder. 

Get on the Phone with a Locksmith: Ignition Cylinder Replacement

Lock and security providers know what they are doing when it comes to keys and locks. Sure, you can visit your mechanic or local dealership but it is likely that the cost will be much higher. Don’t try to save money by working on the ignition cylinder yourself if you don’t have the proper experience. This will only lead to further damage, which in turn will lead to you having to spend more money than necessary. No one wants to do this. Reach out to a locksmith when you think you need an ignition cylinder change. This is an automotive locksmith solution that many local lock and security businesses will offer. 

How to Prevent Ignition Cylinder Problems

You can’t always stop ignition cylinder problems from occurring, but you can try to prevent them by doing things like keeping the ignition cylinder clean and free of debris and dirt. You can avoid placing too many items on your keyring – yes, some people like to have a lot of “bling” when it comes to designer keychains and whatnot, but this can weigh your keyring down and then put too much pressure on the ignition cylinder. Think about it – the more weight on your keyring, the more weight you are putting on the ignition cylinder. Remove the items you don’t need! Old gym key that hasn’t been active for years? Get rid of it! 

Call an Expert!

If you need to have your ignition cylinder checked out by an expert, get on the phone with our team or with the locksmith that is based in your location. Make sure that whoever you hire has great reviews from previous customers. You want to hire a company with a good reputation. You can also ask your neighbors who they recommend.

With any luck, you now realize the importance of not putting too much weight on the ignition cylinder, and hopefully you now understand that forcing a key in or out of the ignition cylinder is only going to cause damage. Having this knowledge will hopefully help to avoid at least some problems, but if you do need a locksmith, do a quick online search for the most reputable lock and security provider in your location. Rest assured, the damage doesn’t have to become any worse than it already might be, and you can avoid having to spend too much money by getting assistance as soon as you notice something is wrong. Try the basics that we mentioned if your key is stuck, like turning the wheel from side to side. Keep the ignition cylinder clean. But if you find yourself dealing with ignition cylinder problems, call an expert for assistance! You will be glad that you did.

Thanks for reading more about issues that can arise with transponder keys and how to deal with them!