There is a small, but important part of your vehicle known as an ignition cylinder. They may also be referred to as ignition switches. These devices sit just to the right of your vehicle’s steering wheel and the part you can see is the round, key slot where you insert your car key. The rest of the ignition cylinder sits tucked within your car’s paneling and remains out-of-sight. Your ignition cylinder helps hold your key in place while you are driving. It also helps to get the car started once you insert the key into the cylinder’s slot.

Sometimes, ignition cylinders can break, wear down, or stopping functioning as they should. There are several main symptoms that may occur if there is a problem with your ignition cylinder. Know that if you are experiencing any of the problems listed below, it could be that your ignition cylinder is the source of the problem. While some of the symptoms may be indicative of larger issues, it is possible that a quick switch of your cylinder will alleviate any of the issues listed below.

Your Vehicle Will Not Start

Although this particular problem can be caused by other vehicle issues, such as a dead car battery, a faulty ignition cylinder may present itself in this way. It is possible that your vehicle may start at first, but then stall. Not being able to get the vehicle started and ready to drive can be concerning, but even an ignition cylinder that is slightly out of place or damaged can cause this problem. 

Although not being able to start your vehicle may also indicate that your car battery is dead, know that this is also a common symptom that vehicle driver’s will experience when their ignition cylinders wear out. Do not worry I this symptom suddenly hits you out of the blue. It is possible that your battery and other parts of your vehicle are just fine. Even though ignition cylinders are small, they are an important part of operating your vehicle. Next time you cannot get your vehicle started for some reason, consider that it may be your vehicle’s ignition cylinder, and not necessarily another vehicle component that is the source of the problem.

You Cannot Get Power to the Electrical Paneling

Even if you cannot get your vehicle started, you may still be able to get the interior lights and electrical panel to light up. If you cannot even get this to happen, however, it is possible that your ignition cylinder is damaged to the point where it cannot hold your key in place at all or even recognize that the proper key is being inserted. 

You are Having Trouble Inserting or Removing Your Key

Another potential issue you may have with your ignition cylinder is getting the key inserted or removed. This problem may occur if there is something blocking the cylinder slot or a portion of the cylinder is bent in a certain way. Sometimes vehicle accidents and even fender benders can cause smaller breaks to your vehicle that you may not be aware of until later. One’s ignition cylinder may be a victim in this kind of circumstance and cause issues for a driver who is trying to insert or remove their key. 

Why Ignition Cylinder Break or Wear Out

It is unlikely that you did anything specific to cause your ignition cylinder problems. Ignition cylinders are worn down every time a key is inserted or removed from it. Since this action may happen several times a day, over and over, it makes sense that ignition cylinders wear down by themselves over time. Luckily, ignition cylinders are affordable and can be replaced by a professional locksmith with little difficulty.

Call on a Mobile Locksmith for Help

Before you call for help from an expensive towing service, call a mobile locksmith first to take a look at your ignition cylinder. It may turn out to be a huge waste of money to call a towing service to take you to a dealership to replace your ignition cylinder, when you could call a mobile locksmith instead. Mobile locksmiths replace ignition cylinders and vehicle locks and keys on-the-go, helping customers save time and money. 

If you call a mobile locksmith first while experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, you are guaranteed to receive the quickest possible fix for your ignition cylinder problem. Mobile locksmiths carry all of the tools that they need with them to make lock repairs and replacements. They operate specialized vehicles that they are able to drive from location to location in order to assist with ignition cylinder changes and more. Be sure to call a mobile locksmith if there is one readily available in your area and explain the issues you are experiencing. 

Need a New Ignition Cylinder for Your Vehicle?

Ignition cylinder replacements always require expert assistance. If you want to ensure your ignition cylinder get replaced properly, be sure to call on the help of a local locksmith that has been trained in ignition cylinder repairs. Working with an inexperienced or noncertified locksmith may result in damage to your vehicle. Make sure you work with a professional locksmith, as well as a locksmith that offers mobile services. This will allow them to meet your wherever your car is, rather than you having to hire a tow truck to receive help for your issue elsewhere.