What to Do, Ignition Cylinder Problems

Are you having difficulties with your vehicle, specifically in the form of the ignition cylinder being problematic?

Even though the general expectation is that ignition cylinders are built to last, there are definitely going to be instances in which it doesn’t work appropriately. This could be the result of numerous different occurrences – for example, for an extended period of time, you might have had too much pressure on your key ring. If this sounds like something you might be dealing with, keep reading!

Potential Ignition Cylinder Concerns

Whether you own a newer or older vehicle doesn’t mean much when it comes to the ignition cylinder, although one might fall apart faster from wear and tear in an older vehicle. The point is that the ignition cylinder can prove to be problematic at any given time. So what might go wrong?  If you have an awareness of potential concerns, then you might be able to resolve them faster. Check out common issues that our locksmiths receive phone calls about: 

• The key is trapped inside the ignition cylinder.

Whether the key is stuck because it broke off inside, or because you pushed it inside with too much force, it is trapped and you want to get it out. There are a couple of things you can do before picking up the phone and reaching out to a lock and security provider. For instance, make sure that the steering wheel is in the correct position. Move it from side to side slowly while gently pulling on the key. In many cases, this in itself will release the key. Also, double check that they key is in the correct position. If you have it turned up so that the radio is on, then this might be your answer.   

• The car will not start on the first try.

When you go to start your car, you should notice that it starts up with ease. If you’re finding that you have to press down on the accelerator, giving the car gas, then you know you have an issue on your hands. Make sure that the problem isn’t just a battery that is dying. In some cases, the issue will be the ignition cylinder.   

• You cannot start the car.

If you’ve been sitting in your vehicle for a few minutes attempting to start it but to no avail, and you’ve tried using jumper cables, then the issue might be the ignition cylinder. Obviously, in a case like this, you will always want to rule out the battery as a potential issue first. If you have determined that it isn’t the battery, or an empty gas tank, consider thinking about the ignition cylinder as a possible problem.   

Contact a Professional for Ignition Cylinder Replacement

Lock and security providers make a living out of working with locks. Another option is to go to your mechanic or local dealership – but you just might find that a locksmith provides you with lower pricing options than the alternatives. It is never a good idea to attempt to work on the ignition cylinder if you don’t have experience or know exactly what you are doing. The reason is that you can end up causing more damage, which in turn will cost you more money. It is a better idea to find an automotive locksmith that you can trust and then save their phone number. Who knows…maybe you will one day need that very locksmith to get you back into your vehicle during an unexpected lockout! There are numerous services available with this type of professional. 

Avoid Ignition Cylinder Problems

Of course, it is always easier to prevent problems from ever occurring in the first place. When it comes to the ignition cylinder, you can’t always prevent problems completely, but you might be able to lessen the chance of them occurring. 
Here are some tips: 

• Keep it clean

Clean out the ignition cylinder! This might be something you’ve never even considered doing, but debris and dirt can build up. This is minor and easy to do.

• Keep the weight on your keying to a minimum

Some people make the mistake of piling up key chains and other heavy items on their keying. Not only are these things usually not necessary at all, but they ending up putting weight on your ignition cylinder that doesn’t need to be there. Over time, this can lead to excessive wear and tear. So if you don’t need that small Coach notebook on your keying, and if you can do without the gym fob and old apartment key that you forgot to return years ago, take them off your key ring. You will be glad to get rid of the extra weight you’ve been carrying around, too!  

Surely you will be able to find an expert that is in your location if you begin to have problems with your ignition cylinder. Hopefully you now realize the importance of keeping the weight you put on the ignition cylinder to a minimum, and hopefully you recognize that jamming a key inside is a bad idea. But if things still eventually go wrong, you can reach out to a locksmith, to know that the problem will be dealt with correctly the first time. This will save you money in the long run! 

Press Release

• Getting A Garage Door Lock
• The Importance of Owning a Gun Safe
• Transponder Keys, Problems
• When to replace locks
• Lockout Situations
• What to Do, Ignition Cylinder Problems
• Practical Uses for a Home Safe
• Installing Garage Door Locks
• What to Do if Your Car Keys are Stuck in the Ignition
• What You Need to Know About Access Control
• What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost
• Different Lock Types and Their Purposes
• Identifying a Good Locksmith
• Keyless Entry Locks: The Benefits You Should Know About
• Panic Bars: The Important Role They Play in Commercial Buildings Safety and Security
• Lockouts: When and Why You Should Call a Locksmith
• What Locksmiths Do
• Different Lock Types for Residential Properties
• Top Security Measures for Residential Properties
• What to Consider When Looking for a Commercial Safe