Are You Having Ignition Cylinder Problems?
Your car keys are one of those things you use without even thinking much about them most of the time. That is, until something goes wrong with either your keys or your ignition. When a problem occurs with your ignition cylinder, it can be frustrating and disheartening. But it doesn’t have to be.
To figure out what you should do when dealing with ignition cylinder issues, first you need to pinpoint the source of the issue and whether it’s not a deeper problem with your car’s engine. Many symptoms of an ignition cylinder problem are close to the same as signs that your car will display if there are mechanical problems. So it’s best to turn to a locksmith to see if the ignition cylinder is the cause of the issue first. Even if it’s not an ignition cylinder problem, by ruling these out first, you’ll be following the appropriate steps to get your vehicle fixed.
What is an Ignition Cylinder?
If you have a vehicle manufactured in the time period from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, your vehicle probably employs an ignition lock cylinder. It is a type of anti-theft technology that was also considered a convenient feature that would allow the driver to operate their vehicle unimpeded without worrying about it being easily stolen.
An ignition cylinder is made up of a few different elements. It fits into the right side of the steering column and has the ignition lock that you insert your key into to operate the vehicle. When you insert your key inside, a signal is sent via a system of wiring to the engine that contains a particular code. Then the engine matches it with its own code and disables the vehicle’s immobilizer, allowing the vehicle to fire up. All of this happens within seconds so that you never even notice. If the wrong key is inserted, or this communication is disrupted, the engine won’t start.
Ignition Cylinder Problems
PROBLEM 1: STUCK KEY
A common problem, your car key can become lodged inside of your ignition lock. The more you try to free it by wiggling it or yanking on it, the more hopelessly stuck it becomes in the ignition lock. Locksmiths do not recommend that you use excessive force on your key if it gets stuck. Even though the situation may leave you feeling somewhat desperate, especially if you’re in a hurry, you will probably cause more damage than it’s worth. If your key begins to stick during use but you’re still able to remove it from the lock, it’s a good idea to consider having the lock repaired or the key replaced before the situation escalates to an emergency lockout.
PROBLEM 2: DAMAGED IGNITION CYLINDER
Your ignition cylinder lock can become damaged due to a few different reasons. One of them is if someone tried to steal your vehicle and mess with the lock, which can often lead to scuffling, warping, or other damage to the lock that may make it impossible to insert your vehicle key. Another way that damage can happen to your ignition cylinder lock is the excessive force mentioned above, which may occur if your key has been getting frequently stuck lately. Eventually the components that make up the lock may become damaged. In this case, a professional locksmith can assist you by repairing or replacing the ignition cylinder assembly.
PROBLEM 3: LOST KEY
While not a problem with your ignition cylinder itself, lost keys are an extremely common problem that can afflict almost anyone under the right circumstances. Often a lost key makes it impossible to operate your vehicle until you contact a locksmith to replace it. A key will have to be properly encoded to match your engine for it to work. In some circumstances, your ignition lock cylinder and door locks will need to be rekeyed to fit a brand new key. Locksmiths always recommend having a spare key made and kept in a safe place to prevent future lockouts.
PROBLEM 4: ENGINE STALLS
Your engine stalling is usually a symptom of a mechanical problem, but it can sometimes also be caused by a short in the electronic communication system to which your ignition lock cylinder is attached. If your ignition switch has become worn out over time, such as if your vehicle has seen a lot of use, that can also cause a loss of contact between the switch and the wiring. If you notice this type of poor performance from your engine, don’t automatically assume it’s a problem with the engine itself without considering that it might be related to your ignition cylinder.
PROBLEM 5: ENGINE WON’T START
This is another problem that you may assume involves an issue with the mechanical components of your engine. However, before you call in a mechanic, give a call to a professional locksmith company to help you. Again, the complex wiring system inside can fall prey to a manufacturer’s defect or corrosion over time. This can lead to the right connection failing to be made when you insert your key in the lock, even if physically the key still fits perfectly fine and turns the lock.