What to Do, Ignition Cylinder Problems

A car that won’t start is hugely frustrating, especially when you need to use it. If you live in an area that doesn’t see a lot of public transportation options, a car that won’t start can very much negatively impact your day. Of course, you will stress over the cost. Is it an alternator problem? What about a dead battery? How much is it going to cost to fix the problem? You might not realize that the problem could point back to the ignition cylinder. If you are looking for more information on what to do with ignition cylinder problems, then you have come to the right place. 

What Causes Problems with the Ignition Cylinder?

The answer to this question can be somewhat complex because when it comes to the ignition cylinder, several different problems can arise. There is an abundance of options which can cause an ignition cylinder to fail to function properly. On the other hand, there are easy ways to see if the ignition cylinder happens to be the problem, for example: 

• It takes longer than normal to start the car.

When you turn the key, the car should start up right away. But if the car takes longer to start, then you should know that this is not unusual when it comes to ignition problems. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t even think about it, and they just continue on with their day once the vehicle starts. Some people simply believe that they didn’t turn the key long enough or they could think the problem points to a dying battery. If you know your battery is functioning completely fine, then you might want to consider if the ignition cylinder is the problem.   

• The car stalls.

This is a very scary thing when it happens. If you were driving down the main road and felt your car starting to slow down then hopefully you pulled over to a safe spot. A car that stalls as a result of a broken ignition cylinder likely gave you indications previously that something was wrong. If the engine is stalling it could be because your ignition cylinder needs to be replaced.   

• You start the car but then the engine shuts off.

If you stood around with jumper cables for several minutes and finally got your car to start, you probably felt a sense of relief. But if your car shuts off again shortly after, you’re not going to feel so happy. If this has happened to you, then your ignition cylinder may need replacement.   

• The car just will not start.

When you turn your key in the ignition, the car should start. Of course, is the battery being dead, this will not happen. If you don’t hear any noise at all when your engine should be turning, something is not right. You can try again, but it might not work. The ignition might be the culprit. 

Get Help for a Problematic Ignition Cylinder

If you’re running a bit late for work, a car that won’t start is the last thing you need. This can be so incredibly stressful. But, if it does happen to you, try your best not to panic. It might feel like you are about to be stuck with a huge bill for car repair. Or maybe your car has 150,000 miles on it, and you’re thinking that it’s time to go get a new one – who wants to have a car payment when they just paid off their current vehicle? Who wants to deal with a car that won’t start? 

It could be a faulty ignition cylinder. And the solution is to replace it. This isn’t a DIY job. You need a professional. You will want to find a reliable locksmith to carry out the replacement so that everything is done properly. Go online to find a reputable and qualified locksmith in your area. You should be able to find reasonable rates, too. 

You might typically turn to your mechanic when the car doesn’t work properly. But in some cases, you will want someone who is very experienced in auto locks. And, once you get that ignition replaced, you need to know how to make sure it will be long lasting. 

Proper Ignition Cylinder Care

There are several things that you can do to see to it that your ignition functions well for as long as possible. If you follow the appropriate steps, which might seem miniscule, your ignition cylinder will continue to function for a great deal of time. Here’s what you should do: 

• Avoid the use of heavy keys in the ignition

Heavy key rings are going to do something bad to your ignition cylinder - they can weigh it down if you have too much on that key ring. The best thing is to avoid unnecessary items on your key ring. Do you have 3 or 4 keys that you don’t use? Take them off. Do you need anything beyond your house key, work key, gym fob and mailbox key? If you have unnecessary “bling” get rid of it! 

• Clean the ignition cylinder 

There are many bits and pieces of debris and dirt that can get into your ignition cylinder over time. Eventually, they can cause things to malfunction. Use compressed air to clean the small opening of an ignition.

• Do not forcefully turn keys 

Forcing keys to turn in a keyhole by applying too much pressure can cause problems. You could end up with a broken key, when dealing with your ignition cylinder, that ends up trapped in the ignition cylinder. The end results? You will need broken key extraction and ignition cylinder replacement.