Nobody wants their car to break down on them during the day – or worse, in the later hours of the evening.
We understand how frustrating ignition cylinder problems can get. You might simply need to get a key extracted, but your troubles could also be a reflection of more complicated issues.

That’s why our lock and key experts are taking the time to explain what to do in such an unfortunate situation. Here are a few quick tips that will help you deal with faulty ignition cylinders in the best possible manner.

Understanding the common signs

You need to diagnose your issues before deciding on your course of action. Of course, some ignition cylinder problems are not as clear-cut as they seem – but here are some common signs to keep an eye on:

Keys getting stuck into the ignition
A very common occurrence, and often the sign of wearing and age. This is something that can’t be avoided: over time, your ignition’s inner components are going to become worn out from the continuous amount of stress it endures on a regular basis. Heavy keyrings can speed up the process, by the way, so avoid these as much as possible. Eventually, the ignition will lose its malleability, ultimately catching and binding the key in the process. If not replaced accordingly, this ignition fault could lead to low electrical contact – and at some point you’ll be unable to operate your vehicle.

Before you call a locksmith in Racine, however, make sure that your key isn’t lodged inside because the steering wheel is in lock position. Move the wheel from side to side to see if that releases the key from the cylinder. It’s also good to check for signs of rust and damage in the ignition itself. If all else fails, get in touch with an auto lock and key expert.

A failing engine

If your engine fails as you’re driving, it could indicate that your ignition switch is faulty. As we previously alluded, corrosion can cause low contact in the ignition – and subsequently a loss of voltage. There is no DIY fix for this, so get in touch with a locksmith right away.

Problems powering on the vehicle

While ignition wear and tear tends to be the most common cause for this, you shouldn’t rule out other glitches. If your vehicle has a transponder system, for example, it could well be that your key needs to be re-programmed. But then again, a worn out ignition cylinder can mean that the key will only respond to certain positions, or will simply not power up the car altogether. Because this is quite a tricky distinction to make, you’re probably best at leaving the diagnosis to a qualified professional.

You can’t get the car to start at all

Again, this could be a sign of various issues – flat batteries, faulty sensors, and malfunctioning ignition switches to name a few. Tell an automotive locksmith your suspicions and ask for an inspection. This will be the only way to truly identify which component is rendering your vehicle inoperable.

The car powers on, the engine cranks – but you can’t move

This tends to be more common in a malfunctioning theft protection device, but there are instances where it could be indicative of a faulty ignition. Check if your anti-theft lights are flashing – if that proves to be the case, you’ll need to get your key reprogrammed to transmit the right signals. Otherwise, you’ll need to ask a locksmith to check your ignition cylinder and your fuel facing system, as the latter can lead to similar car operating issues.

Did you notice a trend in our suggestions? Then let’s focus on how to hire the best locksmith to address your ignition cylinder problems.

Hiring a reliable automotive lock and key expert

You should be able to trust that an auto locksmith in your area will bring you great value for money. Reputable companies will have all the right equipment, training and tools to provide you with cost-efficient security solutions. Their help seldom costs several thousands of dollars, many businesses won’t charge you for initial price quotes, and local operators are often around 24/7 in case of emergencies.

Just remember that not all locksmiths are created equal. Some might exclusively focus on automotive services, others might specialize in residential or commercial solutions, and many opt to provide a fully-inclusive set of options. If in doubt, ask the locksmith what services they offer to their customers.

Recommendations will help you find a credible business in your location. However, if you can’t get names from people you know and trust, online reviews from sites like Angie’s List can help too. Also, good professionals will not balk at the idea of providing you with a list of client references in the area – nor will they get defensive about disclosing crucial information like license and insurance details. If you have the time to spare, checking whether the company has had any complaints filed against them through the Better Business Bureau can help too.

Read more: Here’s what to do when you’re having ignition cylinder problems