No matter what you drive, be it a sports car, luxury vehicle, old-school car or a mid-sized SUV, you can ultimately end up having problems with it. There are so that only entail an easy fix. Maybe you have a flat tire or a nail in the tire and need a new one. Or maybe you need steering fluid or an oil change. But other problems can be a bit more difficult to figure out. Maybe you are unsure of what is wrong, but your dashboard lights are on and flashing or your car has stalled. There are certain issues that a locksmith can deal with, such as ignition cylinder problems. If this is an issue you think you might be facing, be sure to reach out to an automotive locksmith!

Ignition Cylinder: An Explanation

When someone references the ignition lock cylinder, they are referring to the key and cylindrical tumbler. What is the key and cylindrical tumbler? It is the part that works to make the car start. Therefore, this part is very important. Of course, nowadays some vehicles use a push start, but more often you will likely see ignition lock cylinders.

Ignition Cylinder: How it Works

You might be wondering how an ignition lock cylinder works. How does it function? Are there problems that can arise with it? If so, what are they? These are all good questions to ask. To start, this part uses four different positions. The first position is the one in which you turn the key up one notch and it unlocks your wheel. The second position powers on the accessories. The fuel system starts up in the third position, as does the computer. And the last position is what allows the car to start and be driven. An ignition cylinder problem can leave you with the inability to start your car. Obviously, this would be a huge problem.

Is there a problem with the ignition cylinder? Keep reading for different scenarios. Hopefully, they give you a better idea of what to expect if you ever do notice a problem with this part of your vehicle…

Issue with Ignition Cylinder: The Car Does Not Start

Do you have a car that you can’t start up at the moment? This is very frustrating, and most people are going to first assume that they need a jump start because the battery is dead. If you have tried having someone give you a jump and you have decided that the problem is not in fact the battery, then you might want to look at the ignition lock cylinder. With its connection to the electronic ignition switch, it is a given that a car won’t start in some cases if something is wrong. An automotive locksmith can provide the help that you need with this.

Ignition Cylinder Issue: The Key is Stuck

Did you put your key in only to have it not come back out? Or does it come out but it is not smooth and easy? If the key gets jammed or has gotten stuck in any way, then the cylinder might be a problem. Don’t force it out because damage can occur. Just turn to an automotive locksmith for assistance.

Ignition Cylinder Problem: The Car Continuously Stalls

The vehicle should start without any problem at all when you turn your key in the ignition. But if you find that the car stalls or it stalls when you start driving, you have a problem on your hands. First, have the battery checked. If that is not the problem, it very well might be an ignition cylinder issue.

Problem with Ignition Cylinder: No Power to the Car

If you can’t power on your vehicle when you turn the ignition lock cylinder, maybe wear and tear has become a problem. Try when you turn the key to check each position – position 1, position 2, position 3 and position 4, as previously mentioned. See if any of these positions work in the way that they are supposed to and if anything is off at all, try an automotive locksmith.

Ignition Cylinder Issue: There is Blockage

You will want to check to make sur that there is not dirt, dust or some sort of debris in the ignition cylinder. If the key tumbler continuously becomes stuck, there are things you can try such as a Q-tip to clean out the inside or even using pressurized air. This is something fairly easy that a car owner can do on their own.

Ignition Cylinder Potential Problem: Lit Up Dash

If the lights are on for an unknown reason on your dashboard, have an auto locksmith take a look. There are a few different things that could cause this, but a problematic ignition cylinder is one of them.

Finally, see if it’s something simple, like the steering wheel being jammed. This is such an easy fix, if the problem does not run deep. Just turn the steering wheel from one side to another and see if it loosens it. If not, have the ignition cylinder checked out.

An automotive locksmith can assist!

Turn to a licensed and insured lock and security professional – we mean an automotive locksmith. They can usually offer 24/7 emergency services and mobile help – at least, that is what we do.

Now, when a problem with the ignition cylinder occurs, we hope you have a better idea of what you are supposed to do in order to have it resolved fast. We mentioned that some of the checks to do are easy. But others might require an expert. When you turn to a locksmith you can expect top service so long as you are turning to someone licensed and insured.