Common Symptoms of Car Ignition Issues

• The key turns hard in the ignition

  If you go to turn your key in the ignition and it turns very hard, that’s a good indication that your ignition lock is in need of repair. You also have to be sure you do not try and force the key to turn if you find yourself in this situation. Doing so could break the key off in the ignition lock. That can make it even more difficult and expensive to do an ignition cylinder lock repair. So get your ignition lock checked out immediately if you are having trouble getting your key to turn easily when you go to start your car.

• Key slides or out of the ignition too easily

  Although this may be the sign of a worn-out or damaged key, it often is a sign that an ignition cylinder lock is going bad too. If this happens to you, first check your keys for signs of visible damage. If you don’t see any signs of damage on them, then be safe and let a lock professional take a look at your ignition cylinder lock.

• The key is tough to get out of your ignition cylinder

  If you are having trouble pulling your key out of the ignition after you turn your key to the locked position, this is typically the sign that you have an ignition cylinder problem. This is caused by parts in the ignition lock not lining up correctly. When this happens the lock mechanism is still engaged with the teeth on your key even when it’s not supposed to be. Have a mechanic or lock professional look at your ignition cylinder lock if this happens to you.

• You turn the key and your car does not crank over

  Have you ever had an experience where your car key turns but your engine does not crank over? While this can be a sign of a dead battery too, if your car does not try to crank over even a little it could mean there is a bad connection between your ignition lock and your car’s starting system. This is especially true if sometimes turning the key engages your starter and other times it does not.

• Vehicles accessories will not power on when the key is turned

  When you turn your car key to the accessory position your dashboard lights should come on and you should be able to do such things as use the vehicles power port and audio system. If these things do not happen when you turn the key to the accessory position there is a chance you have a bad ignition cylinder lock.

Be Proactive When You Experience Ignition Failure Warning Signs

Do not mess around when your vehicle is showing signs of ignition issues. As was mentioned, when ignition switch locks fail on a car, that car will not be going anywhere anytime soon. That’s why it’s so important to get ignition issues corrected before this happens. Otherwise, you may just get stranded late at night, on a weekend or on a holiday someplace that you don’t particularly want to be.

What’s the Best Way to Get an Ignition Lock Repaired?

Perhaps best of all, a locksmith will come to help you out with your ignition cylinder lock at any time of the night or day 365 days a year. They can change out your ignition cylinder lock as part of an emergency service call. Locksmiths even make themselves available during late-night hours, weekends, and holidays to help their customers out with ignition lock problems.

Are Ignition Cylinder Locks Difficult to Change?

Are you thinking about changing your ignition cylinder lock yourself and wondering if it’s hard to do that? That’s not an easy question to answer because it depends on the make and model of vehicle you have. What you really have to ask is if you have the knowledge and special tools it takes to change an ignition lock. That’s why it’s usually best just to let trained lock professionals do this for you.