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How to Handle Ignition Cylinder Problems

Different problems can arise with vehicle locks and keys. One thing that can come up is an issue with the ignition cylinder. Unfortunately, problems tend to arise over time, especially if you have certain habits that might cause the ignition cylinder to ultimately fall apart. Everett Lock and Key provides services in Everett, WA and they have complied information that is meant to help customers to know how to deal with ignition cylinder issues. If you are looking for more information on what the ignition cylinder actually is, or if you are looking to get details on how to deal with ignition cylinder problems, have a look below!

Ignition Cylinder: What It Is

The ignition cylinder is what is used to start a vehicle. It’s the cylinder tumbler where you insert your key and turn it to start the car. Many new cars today use a push start system, but unless you’ve bought a new vehicle recently, you have a traditional ignition cylinder for your vehicle.

How the Ignition Cylinder Works

There are four positions as it relates to the ignition cylinder. Here are how the positions work: when the key is placed in the ignition cylinder and one turns it up once, it unlocks the car’s steering wheel. Then, when the key is turned a second notch, it is powering on the dashboard lights and the radio. When the key is turned up a third notch, to the third position, the fuel is started. Lastly, when the key is turned all of the way, the engine comes on. If you think about each of the specific steps, you might realize that there is room for things to go wrong with the ignition cylinder. Have a look at potential issues below.

Issues With Ignition Cylinder

The most common thing that can go wrong is that the key becomes stuck in the ignition cylinder. Maybe it has to be loosened by jiggling the key. If this is happening, it is a sure sign that the ignition cylinder probably needs to be replaced. This is something a locksmith can do – you can always go to a dealership, but locksmiths tend to offer much better rates.

Another problem that can arise is that the key can’t be inserted into the ignition cylinder. Wear and tear tends to be the cause here, and again, this warrants ignition cylinder replacement.

Sometimes people have trouble starting the engine. Wear and tear is probably the culprit, inside the ignition cylinder. Of course, it is important to first check to ensure that the problem isn’t actually just a dead battery, or one that is dying. If the problem isn’t the battery, then it could be a variety of concerns, considering that an electronic ignition switch is directly connected to the ignition lock cylinder.

What To Do

There are certain steps one can take prior to calling a locksmith, dealership or mechanic. For example, you can take a few moments to look for dirt and debris which can sometimes get lodged into the cylinder. As mentioned, you should also make sure that the issue isn’t a dead battery – this is a simple fix (have the battery replaced) and will save you from paying for a new ignition cylinder if it is not even really needed.

Key Stuck In Ignition Cylinder

Also prior to calling a lock and security expert, you should try gently moving the key from side to side if it is currently stuck inside of the cylinder. Just be cautious while doing this because too much force can cause even more damage. You can also try wiggling the steering wheel gently. Obviously, no one wants to have to sit around stuck while their key remains trapped in the ignition cylinder. If this is the concern you are dealing with, and wiggling around the steering wheel a bit doesn’t help, nor does trying to gently move the key, then you should reach out to an expert. A locksmith will be able to come to you to help you. They can provide services such as broken key extraction if they deem that ignition cylinder replacement isn’t mandatory.

Find A Locksmith

Over time, we might start seeing less concerns about ignition cylinders, because cars of the future might only use a push start option to start. But right now, this isn’t the case, and it is important to know what to do if you are having ignition cylinder problems. Hopefully this information has been useful to you and provided some degree of guidance so that you know what steps to take if you are ever stuck dealing with a problem. Save the contact information of a lock and security provider in your location that is licensed and insured. Of course, Everett Lock and Key can help locals in this part of world, but if you are somewhere else and you can’t conveniently access these services, it is important to know where to turn to.

There are certainly ways that are easier than others to handle ignition cylinder problems. When in doubt it is always a wise idea to turn to someone with expertise. The thing is, you don’t want to cause further damage to your vehicle if there are already signs of damage taking place. Maybe key extraction is an option, for instance, but if you apply too much force, you might have to have ignition cylinder replacement, when it wasn’t entirely necessary in the first place. Just be cautious, keep the contact information of an expert on hand, and pay mind to issues as they start to reveal themselves. Paying attention before problems worsen can obviously save a great deal of stress – you could avoid getting stuck in a parking lot somewhere if you can tell ahead of time that the ignition cylinder is falling apart.

One final point worth mentioning is that you should eliminate how much weight is on the keychain that holds your car key. You don’t want the ignition cylinder to fall apart due to excessive weight.

Best of luck with your vehicle – stay safe!

 

Everett Lock and Key

Locksmith Service 24 Hours a Day
Dispatch Address: 1912 Everett Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
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Email: info@everettlockandkey.com
Phone: (425) 880-2818