Vehicle Ignition Cylinder Problems and Solutions
Our vehicles are some of our most prized assets. Having the ability to drive independently to and from where we need to be on a daily basis is both a convenience and a privilege. Most of the time, we can count on our vehicles operating smoothly and getting us from place to place without any difficulty. However, we may occasionally run into problems with our vehicles that may be caused by even the smallest or seemingly inconspicuous vehicle part.
What is an Ignition Cylinder For?
One such vehicle part that is small, but critical when it comes to our ability to actually drive and operate our vehicles, is the ignition cylinder. Your vehicle’s ignition cylinder sits tucked inside of the paneling of your car just to the right of your steering wheel. The key slot where you insert your car key is the top part of the ignition cylinder. Hidden inside of the paneling lies the rest of the cylinder.
Although this particular vehicle part may not seem very important, it plays one of the largest roles when it comes to starting and operating your car. Keep reading to find out what kind of symptoms may present themselves when your ignition cylinder is failing, as well as how to go about receiving an immediate repair or replacement at an affordable cost.
Faulty Ignition Cylinder Symptoms You May Experience
- Issues Powering Your Vehicle
If you put your key in the ignition slot and your vehicle refuses to turn on after twisting your key, it is possible that something may be wrong with your ignition cylinder. Wiring inside of your ignition cylinder alerts the vehicle’s electrical system when the key has been inserted and turned in the slot. If something is faulty with the wires or there has been an electrical disconnect of some sort, you will be unable to power on your vehicle.
- Your Vehicle is Stalling or Stops Suddenly
Similarly, if the wires inside of and near the ignition cylinder are faulty or failing, you may only be able to turn on your vehicle for a short period of time before it shuts off. You may even be driving when all of a sudden, your vehicle stalls and grinds to a halt. This can be a particularly scary and dangerous symptom to experience. Regardless of whether or not your ignition cylinder is to blame, if you are experiencing stalling of any kind, stop driving and contact a professional immediately.
- You Cannot Insert or Turn Your Vehicle Key
Debris and dirt can get stuck in your ignition cylinder, causing it to wear down faster or block your vehicle key from entering into the slot in the first place. If you do notice that something appears to be stuck in your ignition cylinder, do not try and force it out. You should also never try to force your key into the ignition slot either. If you are experiencing this particular issue, it is best to wait for professional help so you do not further damage the ignition cylinder or other parts of your car.
- Your Key is Stuck in the Ignition Cylinder
Alternatively, you may find that you cannot get your vehicle key out of the ignition slot. In this case, you will want to not force the key out. KEys can get stuck in ignition slots for a variety of reasons and they should never be removed using force. Instead, try wiggling the steering wheel back and forth with one hand while you gently try to extract the key with the other. Keys most often get stuck due to certain safety mechanisms, so it is possible that you may be able to override the mechanism and extract the key. If you cannot remove the key easily, it is time to call a professional.
Fixing Your Ignition Cylinder the Right Way
In most instances, you will want to get immediate help with replacing or fixing your ignition cylinder. However, getting your car to a dealership or repair shop can be a real hassle, especially if you are not able to drive your car anywhere. If you find you need an ignition cylinder replacement or know you need to have it looked at by a professional as soon as possible, remember to call a mobile locksmith.
Especially for broken ignition cylinders, it is best to hire on-site assistance. Mobile locksmiths are vehicle lock and key experts that can come to your location and perform certain repairs or replacements for you right then and there. Working with a mobile locksmith eliminates the need to hire a tow truck to take your vehicle elsewhere for a repair. Hiring a mobile locksmith just makes the most sense. You can receive the personalized and expert assistance you need without having to pay multiple companies or individuals for their services.
Call around in your area to find a credible and professional mobile locksmithing service near you. For any kind of automotive lock or key problem, calling a mobile locksmith is recommended if you want to save both time and money on your repair.