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.
We can’t emphasize the importance of hiring local enough. Not only will
locksmiths from elsewhere charge you extra for mileage, but ensuring that the
business you’re talking with has a verifiable reputation will help you in the
long run. Be wary of businesses with sketchy addresses or contact details, and
never pay full price upfront. Make sure to consult with the locksmith business
before hiring them and get a full cost breakdown of the services you are
looking for.
If you’re based in Racine, WI, consider getting in touch with our
licensed and insured professionals. Racine
Locksmith is a locally-based operation who covers all aspects of automotive
security. We’re able to help with your ignition cylinder issues, as well as
providing round-the-clock assistance for emergency matters. Get in touch with
our crew, schedule a free consultation, and we’ll go from there.
It doesn’t matter where you’re based – without proper planning, ignition
cylinder troubles are likely to cause a lot of stress. So, make sure to follow
our tips and get in touch with a reliable automotive locksmith professional in
your area as soon as you experience any kind of issues.
