Common symptoms
- The key won't turn, or turns only with jiggling
- The key gets stuck in the ignition
- The dashboard flickers or the car stalls while driving
- The car doesn't recognise a chip key
Key, cylinder or switch?
A worn key can stop lining up the wafers in the cylinder; a fresh key cut by code may fix it. A worn cylinder needs repair or replacement. If the car stalls or electrics cut out, the ignition switch itself may be failing, which is a safety issue: get it checked before driving far.
On site or at the dealer?
Many ignitions can be repaired or replaced by a mobile locksmith where the car is parked. Ignition changes start at $100.00 plus the service call fee, and the published warranty for an ignition change is 30 days. See the price list.
Don't force it
Forcing a stuck key can snap it inside the ignition, turning a simple job into an extraction. If it won't turn, stop and call.
