Easy Fixes for Car Keys That Won’t Turn in the Ignition
When your car key doesn’t turn in the ignition, it can be extremely frustrating and even dangerous if you are in a hurry. Fortunately, there are several easy fixes that you can try before seeking professional help.
Change the Key
If the key is worn or broken, it may not fit correctly in the ignition and will need to be replaced. Getting a new key is the easiest solution when something goes wrong with your vehicle key. Worn or broken keys can be duplicated by your car dealership or a local locksmith.
Replace the Ignition Cylinder
If the key is working but won’t turn in the ignition, a faulty ignition cylinder may be the cause. Replacing just the cylinder, rather than the entire ignition unit, should solve the problem. However, if the key finally turns but the car won’t start, an ignition switch replacement may be necessary.
When purchasing a replacement cylinder, make sure to get the correct one for your car’s make and model. Remember that the new cylinder may have a different key from your car’s door/trunk key and that rekeying will be needed to match them.
Get a Locksmith
Any problem where a key won’t turn in a car’s ignition can be solved by a locksmith. If the cost of a locksmith concerns you, rest assured that it should be less expensive than other expert assistance options.
Get an estimate of the cost of the job and any materials that might be required once you have decided on a locksmith. Many locksmiths will also provide you with a warranty for their work. Be sure to ask the locksmith for a spare key in case you need them in the future.
Professional Assistance Is Always Advised
The easiest method to start addressing the problem is to identify why your vehicle’s key won’t turn in the ignition. It is preferable to call the experts if you are unable to identify the issue with your car.
The simplest method is to call a locksmith, but depending on your knowledge and circumstances, you may be able to figure out the problem. A more experienced expert should be contacted before a simple fix turns into an expensive one.
It is important to remember that car keys can often malfunction due to a variety of reasons. In some cases, the problem may be due to a worn or damaged key requiring a replacement key to be cut. A more complex problem might mean having to replace the ignition cylinder.
Action Lock Doc is always ready to assist if you need to rekey your car ignition. With available 24-hour emergency locksmith service, our locksmiths are highly trained and updated on specialized products and techniques to provide quality solutions to your problems. Contact us now to learn more.
Joe, a former CIO and tech industry professional, has made it his mission to secure Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) through the Action Lock Doc, Dallas Safe and Vault, and Summa Security brands. When he’s not running the show at the office, you’ll find him writing about commercial and residential locksmithing, access control, and safes.