Ignition Cylinder Lock Issues and How to Best Solve Them

There is something that most people do every day and don’t really think anything of it. That’s putting their key in their car’s ignition and turning it so their car starts up. Most people actually do this several times a day as it has to be done every time they go to drive their car. This adds up to a lot of wear and tear on any ignition lock cylinder. That’s why it’s not uncommon to have some issues with these popular auto locks from time to time. How do you know if you are having ignition cylinder lock issues? Read on and you will learn some of the signs that indicate bigger ignition problems may shortly follow.

Key Turns but the Car Won’t Start

This is one of the most common ignition cylinder issues. It occurs when you turn your key in the ignition but the car does not even turn over. This happens when your key no longer overrides your vehicle's internal anti-theft system. You have to be careful here to because it could be an antic-theft device problem also.

Stuck Ignition Key

If you are having a problem pulling your key out of your ignition it is often a sign that your ignition cylinder lock is starting to go bad. Either it’s getting worn out inside or it could be a problem with corrosion too. You also have to be extremely cautious here when trying to pull your key out of the ignition because if you break your key off you have just made your ignition repair even more expensive. If you do manage to get your key out, check the key to make sure it’s not damaged or warped and this is what caused the key to get stuck.

Ignition Cylinder Turns with No Key in It/Key Won’t Turn In the Ignition

These are two things that usually are caused by a defective ignition cylinder. Of course, if your car starts with no key in the ignition cylinder this is also a huge security issue too. Even if you eventually get your key to turn, you still want to have a professional check your ignition cylinder lock if either of these two things happens.

Damaged Ignition Cylinder

There may come a time when you notice your ignition cylinder lock appears to be damaged. This is something that very likely could have resulted from someone trying to steal your car. If you ever notice your ignition cylinder lock looks visibly damaged take it to get looked at right away.

The Key Grinds When Turning It (Wafers)

If your key turns roughly or you feel it grinding as you go to turn it, this is a sign of internal problems in your ignition cylinder. Often it means that the wafers that interact inside of the ignition cylinder are now misaligned or worn out. This most likely will necessitate replacing your ignition cylinder lock assembly.

Defective Ignition Cylinder

This is something you never want to happen but unfortunately, it does sometimes. That’s when your ignition cylinder lock fails completely. When this happens your vehicle is not going anywhere until your ignition cylinder gets fixed. It can be very uncomfortable for you if this happens in a less than desirable area to be in or it happens late at night. That’s why it’s so important to have a trained professional look at your ignition cylinder lock if any of the above issues show themselves. Being proactive with your ignition cylinder issues can usually keep you from getting stranded.

Why Call A Locksmith?

What do most people do when they have an issue with their ignition cylinder lock? Most of the time they will call a locksmith. There are several reasons for doing this. Here are some of them:

• Locksmith are completely mobile

  Getting the ignition cylinder fixed by a locksmith takes very little effort on your part. That’s because locksmiths are mobile lock service providers. They will come to right to where your car is parked. This is true even if you are not at home at the time. That means you can do things like getting an ignition cylinder lock problem solved while you are shopping or at your place of work. Getting ignition cylinder lock could not possibly be much easier than when a locksmith does this for you.

• Available 24-hours a day

  Most locksmith services are available 24/7, 365. This is great because it means that someone can get help with an ignition cylinder lock after normal working hours. So if an ignition cylinder lock leaves you stranded late at night, you can still get a locksmith to come and help you right away with that problem. Even on weekends and holidays locksmiths are ready to help out with ignition cylinder issues. Locksmiths will also respond very quickly when you call them for emergency ignition cylinder lock service.

• Locksmiths carry many replacement ignition parts in stock

  Believe it or not, ignition issues are a fairly common problem that locksmiths have to deal with. Because of that, companies like us or any other locksmith company in Atlanta, Georgia carry all of the necessary tools to troubleshoot and fix ignition cylinder locks right on their spacious service vehicles. They will even carry replacement ignition cylinders for most models of cars and trucks.

• Cheaper Pricing than dealerships or auto shops

  Not only are locksmiths very good at doing ignition cylinder work, but they also tend to do it for very reasonable prices. These prices are usually much cheaper than what an auto mechanic will charge for doing the job. Since they are mobile service providers, locksmiths will even be able to help you further save on vehicle towing services.

• You get a warranty on their work

  Locksmiths are also very good at standing behind the lock work that they do. Often times locksmiths will offer an unconditional customer satisfaction guarantee on the lock work that they perform. So not only do you get good ignition cylinder service from a locksmith, you get peace of mind that your money is well spent too.