Whether you have a brand new mid-sized SUV or you are driving an older car that you have been waiting to replace, issues can come up. Many are fairly simple to deal with. A battery can be easily replaced, as can steering wheel fluid. If you get a hole in your tire, a quick visit to a tire shop or even a big store like Walmart can solve your problem fast. But what happens if your problem is relevant to the locks and keys? What are you supposed to do if you don’t want to spend a bunch of money at the mechanic on something like ignition cylinder problems? We recommend turning to an automotive locksmith!
When someone talks about the ignition lock cylinder, they are talking about the key and cylindrical tumbler. This is what works to make your car start. While you can use a push start with some vehicles, you can be sure you are going to come across ignition lock cylinders.
So how does an ignition lock cylinder work and what can go wrong with it? It operates in different positions – four in total. The first position, of course, unlocks your wheel. The second position makes the accessories start up. The third position causes the computer to power up as well as the fuel system. Finally, position four starts the engine. An ignition cylinder problem can leave you unable to start your car, which can set you back tremendously and leave you completely stuck.
How can you know something is wrong with the ignition cylinder?
If your vehicle is failing to start up, the first thing you will likely do is see if the battery is charged or drained. Now let’s say you determine that the battery is not the culprit. Could it be the ignition lock cylinder? The short answer is – yes, this might be the case. This is because there is a connection to the electronic ignition switch, and if things aren’t working, you won’t be able to start your car. An automotive locksmith can look into this for you.
What happens when you put your key in? Does it not come out smoothly? Does it seem like it almost gets stuck or jammed? If so, wear and tear might be an issue, not with the key but with the cylinder itself. You don’t want to force the key because you can cause further damage, so again, this is something to turn to an automotive locksmith for.
If you can’t power on your vehicle when you turn the ignition lock cylinder, it could be that a component is worn out. Try positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 when you turn the key, as previously mentioned – do any of them work? If not, turn to an automotive locksmith because they are sure to specialize in these kinds of issues.
The vehicle should start with ease when you turn your key in the ignition, of course. Now let’s say this doesn’t happen and instead the car stalls or it stalls when you start driving. Or let’s say it takes multiple times to start the vehicle. You will want to have the battery checked first because a dying battery can cause all sorts of problems. If it is not the battery, however, it could be an ignition cylinder issue.
You will want to check for debris in the ignition cylinder. If the key tumbler keeps getting stuck there are things you can try such as pressurized air, using something small like a q-tip to clean it out, or even WD-40.
What does your dash look like? Are lights on that shouldn’t be on because nothing is wrong? Or do they come on and off? It could be an issue you want an auto locksmith to look at.
You shouldn’t have to fight with the steering wheel to get it to loosen or move. So, you might want to reach out to a locksmith specializing in auto services so they can check certain components, like, you guessed it – the ignition cylinder.
Lock and key concerns can be dealt with by a licensed and insured lock and security expert – we are talking about a locksmith. When you find the right person or business, you will see they work with any make and model, like Dodge, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Ford, Audi, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Kia, and so on. Not only are locksmiths well-rounded, but they tend to provide convenient benefits such as 24/7 emergency services.
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