How we help
A key that will not turn does not always mean the whole ignition needs replacing. We assess the key and cylinder to identify a practical repair or replacement.
Common situations
- Key will not turn in the ignition
- Steering wheel locked and stuck
- Key broken off in the ignition
- Ignition damaged by an attempted theft
- Car starts only after jiggling the key
What the service includes
- 01The ignition is tested with the steering wheel unloaded and with a spare key to separate a worn key, a locked column and a failing cylinder.
- 02If the key is worn, a fresh key is cut to factory code, which often fixes the ignition without touching it.
- 03If the cylinder is at fault, the column trim and cylinder are removed, using the key or a decoding and picking method if it will not turn.
- 04The cylinder is rebuilt with new wafers and springs to your current key, or a new cylinder is installed and keyed to match where possible.
- 05It is reinstalled, every position from lock to start is tested, and the transponder is checked to still read the key.
Typical time: 1-2 hours on site
Options
- New key cut to code
- Often fixes a worn-key problem without touching the ignition.
- Cylinder rebuild
- New wafers and springs coded to your existing key.
- Cylinder replacement
- A new cylinder keyed to match where possible, after theft damage.
- Broken key extraction
- Pieces pulled out and a new key cut, reusing the transponder head if it survived.
Ignition parts
Compatibility and limits
- Electrical ignition switch, starter and battery faults are mechanic work, not locksmith work.
- Push-button start cars have no traditional cylinder; problems usually come from the smart key or electronics.
- Some columns with tight trim or transponder rings take longer.
Why will my key not turn in the ignition?
Read the answer
The most common cause is the steering lock. If the wheel was turned after the engine was shut off, the lock pin is under pressure and holds the cylinder. Turn the wheel gently left and right while turning the key, and it usually releases.
If that does not work, look at the key. Keys wear faster than the ignition, and a key whose cuts are rounded no longer lifts the wafers to the right height. If your spare key works, the answer is a fresh key cut to code, not a new ignition.
If no key works, or the key turns only after jiggling, the wafers or springs inside the cylinder are worn or broken. That is a cylinder repair. Spraying oil into the ignition usually makes it worse by collecting dirt.
Is the problem the ignition cylinder or the ignition switch?
Read the answer
The ignition cylinder is the mechanical lock you put the key into. The ignition switch is the electrical part behind it that powers the starter and the accessories. They fail differently.
If the key turns smoothly but the dashboard stays dark or the car will not crank, suspect the battery, the electrical switch, or the immobilizer not recognizing the key's chip. A security light flashing on the dash points to the immobilizer, which a locksmith can test by reprogramming or replacing the key. Electrical switch and starter faults belong with a mechanic.
If the key will not turn, will not go in, or will not come out, it is a mechanical cylinder or key problem, which is locksmith work.
Common questions
My key is stuck in the ignition. What should I do?
Make sure the car is fully in park and the wheel is not loaded against the steering lock. Do not pull hard or use pliers, which can break the key. If it still will not come out, call a locksmith.
Can a broken key be removed from the ignition?
Yes. The broken piece is extracted with thin extractors and a new key is cut from code or from the pieces. If the transponder head survived, it can often be reused.
Will I need new keys after an ignition repair?
Usually not. A rebuilt or replacement cylinder can often be coded to your existing key, so one key still runs the doors and the ignition.
Can an ignition damaged in a theft attempt be fixed?
Yes. The damaged cylinder and accessible parts are replaced, and the steering lock and transponder ring are checked to still work.
Does a push-button start car have an ignition cylinder?
Not in the traditional sense. Problems on push-to-start cars are usually the smart key, its battery, or electrical faults, so testing starts with the key.