When Vehicle Ignition Cylinder is Causing Problems - Locksmith Wheaton

Signs Something May Be Wrong with Your Ignition Cylinder

There is never a convenient time to experience ignition cylinder problems with your vehicle. There are three primary signs that may indicate that your ignition cylinder is the source of your problem.

Your Vehicle Will Not Start

If you attempt to start your vehicle and find that nothing happens when you insert your key, your ignition cylinder may be broken. This kind of symptom can cause alarm for some drivers because it can also indicate that there might be an issue with your vehicle’s battery. Do not panic, however, if you are unable to start your vehicle. Changing or replacing your ignition cylinder is easy with the help of a professional, so it is likely you may be facing an easy and affordable fix.

Your Vehicle Stalls and Stops

This symptom may indicate that the ignition cylinder is causing the key to either jostle around in the cylinder or slip out. On the first try, you might be able to get the vehicle started with no problem, but eventually your vehicle may stall and shut off on its own. While this is can be a scary occurrence, especially if one is out driving while it happens, it is possible the fix is quite simple. Ignition cylinders, though small and sometimes unnoticed, can cause major issues that inhibit the operation of your vehicle. Luckily, though, once you have your faulty ignition cylinder replaced by a professional, your vehicle will be operational again right away.

Your Vehicle’s Electrical Panel Will Not Light Up

Usually when you first put your vehicle key into the ignition, the first twist will light up your vehicle’s interior lights and electrical panel. If you try this and find that the interior lights do not come on, your ignition cylinder may actually be the source of the problem. This is another symptom that some vehicle owners may automatically assume is a battery issue. However, ignition cylinders are important for this step in turning on your vehicle as well. Ignition cylinders hold your car key in place and alert the vehicle that the proper key is in its position. If, for example, the ignition cylinder has slipped out of place or has some sort of internal damage, it will not properly hold you key in place. This may cause your vehicle to not respond to your key.

Your Key Cannot be Inserted into the Cylinder

There is always the possibility that something is blocking the entrance of the key slot on your ignition cylinder. You can visually check to see if you can see anything in there. It is advised, however, that you do not try to yank or pull out anything that might be stuck in your ignition cylinder’s key slot. This could potentially cause damage to the interior or exterior paneling of your vehicle, your steering wheel, or other mechanisms surrounding the area by the ignition cylinder.

How to Get Help with Your Ignition Cylinder

Your ignition cylinder is an important component of your vehicle and necessary for proper functioning and operation. Any damage or defect to an ignition cylinder can make it difficult, if not impossible to start a vehicle or operate it. It is important to attend to the repair or replacement of your vehicle’s ignition cylinder as soon as possible.
If you experience any of the problems with your ignition cylinder listed above, the best way to address them is to contact a locksmith in your area that is experienced with vehicle lock repairs. Most professional locksmiths offer mobile services and can help you onsite if you are stranded. It is advised that you do not attempt to replace your vehicle’s ignition cylinder yourself. These devices are kept tucked away in the vehicle’s paneling to help keep it protected from damage or tampering. If you were to attempt to remove your ignition cylinder, you may cause permanent damage to your vehicle.

To make sure a quick and effective ignition cylinder replacement is made, work with a local locksmith. A dealership is likely to charge you significantly more for the same kind of repair. Not to mention, you will likely need a tow truck to get your vehicle to the dealership if you are unable to turn it on and operate it. You can save yourself a lot of hassle and additional cost by calling a mobile locksmith who has the ability to repair your ignition cylinder on-site.