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Car issues happen to the best of us, no matter what we drive. Maybe your tire pressure light went on today – it’s not a huge deal, but it’s frustrating to say the least! Or maybe your car is making unusual noises when you run the air conditioning. You might be stressed out that all vehicle issues are going to cost you a fortune, but the fact is, if you hire the right person, you can get competitively priced services. We aren’t mechanics but we want to provide you with information on something we do specialize in – ignition cylinder problems. We want to go over how to handle them.
The ignition lock cylinder is, as its name implies, a key and cylindrical tumbler. Together, they start your vehicle. Sure, you can find many cars today that offer a push start option, but you are still going to find ignition lock cylinders on numerous vehicles. If you get into your car and look to the right of the steering wheel, you will likely see this component.
Now, let’s go over some basics. An ignition lock cylinder is one that is going to function using four different positions. In position one, it unlocks the steering wheel. In position two, it starts up your accessories. In position three, the fuel system and computer of the car are able to attain power. The last position starts the engine. If there is a problem with the ignition lock cylinder, then you might not be able to do the things that each position is meant to do. For instance, maybe your vehicle won’t start. Either way, there are signs to look out for that will tell you there is a problem with the ignition cylinder.
Problem number 1: Car will not start
If your car won’t start, and you can rule out that the battery is not to blame, maybe it’s the ignition lock cylinder. Because it is linked to an electronic ignition switch, it is supposed to have the ability to start the vehicle. But if it is broken, the car won’t start. This is something to talk to an locksmith about because there are other issues that could be at play here.
Problem number 2: Inability to power on the car
If you can’t power on the car, even when you turn the ignition lock cylinder, you might have a worn part. See if any of the key positions work or if wiggling the key works. You will want to have this fixed before further wear occurs. Call a locksmith on this one.
Problem number 3: You can’t remove and insert the key smoothly
If you are having a problem taking out or inserting your key, it might be that there is wear with the cylinder. In this case, a jam can occur when you try to remove, turn or insert the key. This is yet another issue that is only going to get worse if you don’t seek the help of an auto locksmith.
Problem number 4: The car keeps stalling
When you turn your key in the ignition, the vehicle should start. This is a given. If it stalls, you are going to have a problem on your hands. It’s same thing if it takes you more than one try to start the vehicle. Rule out that it’s a dead battery before assuming it’s the ignition cylinder. It is worth it in this scenario to have the battery tested first.
Problem number 5: The dash lights are lighting up like a Christmas tree!
If for no known reason your dash lights are on or flickering on and off, you will first want to see if it’s a computer or battery issue. If you rule out these things then it might be the ignition cylinder that’s at fault. Problem number 6: The steering wheel is getting stuck
Is the steering wheel getting stuck? It should not be frozen in place. The first thing to do is rotate it from side to side as this might loosen it. But if it doesn’t, then it could be the ignition cylinder which is a problem. Again, you can turn to a locksmith for this.
Problem number 7: The ignition cylinder has debris in it. Things can make their way into the ignition cylinder and it can lead to the key tumbler getting stuck. Using WD-40 or pressurized air is a good way to clean this out. This is something you can do at home!
You might not suspect that you can turn to a locksmith for help but when it is your ignition cylinder, you are dealing with a lock and key concern. Call an experienced locksmith for help with this component. It should not matter if you drive a Dodge, Mazda, Ford, Audi, Hyundai, Lexus, Mitsubishi, BMW, Kia, Nissan, or any other vehicle. You should be able to access 24/7 emergency services, at least, this is the case if you call us!
Hopefully you now know what to do if there is an issue with the ignition cylinder. When it comes to vehicle lock problems, we strongly encourage reaching out to a professional. Yes, you can try things like using pressurized air to remove dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. Yes, you can make sure the battery isn’t the culprit. But ignition cylinder problems should be handled by someone who knows what they are doing. We hope that you now know what to do if ever faced with this concern. We are glad that you have taken the time to read our article. Bear in mind a locksmith can provide transponder key duplication, broken key extraction and other services like ignition cylinder changes!
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