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Do Your Vehicle Have an Ignition Cylinder Problem?

Douglasville, GA is a beautiful town where many residents enjoy driving on the open roads with the windows down. Sometimes, however, ignition cylinder problems can prevent you from being able to get where you need to go. Ignition cylinder problems can be discovered by investigating for symptoms of different problems. You may not even think about your car keys—until you lose them, and realize how important they are to be able to perform your daily obligations. This article can help you learn what to look for to identify different sources of ignition cylinder problems.

First, it can be helpful to understand what exactly an ignition cylinder is. Most vehicles made in the years since the mid-1990s have ignition cylinders in the steering wheel, especially if they use keyed entry. This technology communicates with your key when it’s inserted in the lock. There is a specialized chip in the key fob that sends a unique code to your vehicle’s ignition system to start the vehicle.

You may not realize that problems with your vehicle starting or operating have anything to do with the ignition cylinder, but it’s often the culprit. Some vehicle owners feel a bit of relief when hearing that their ignition cylinder is the problem, as this is generally a cheaper fix than other possible causes of engine trouble. But no one ever likes to have to shell out money for such a situation. A locksmith company will aim to make the process of fixing or replacing your ignition cylinder as fast and painless as possible. The following symptoms can alert you to a problem with your ignition cylinder, which requires prompt attention.

#1: Ignition Cylinder Damage

First, inspect the ignition cylinder for any visible dirt or debris inside. You will need a flashlight. Shine the light down into the cylinder and inspect it carefully. You may be able to remove any obstructions with a pair of tweezers or pliers. If this isn’t the case, the ignition cylinder itself may be damaged. A sign of this is if you can’t get your key into the ignition lock, or if it appears to stick. There can also be damage if your key fits in and turns, but the car doesn’t start.   

#2: Your Engine Won’t Start

This problem often occurs with older vehicles, due to the heavy use that they have experienced. Usually, the cause can be narrowed down to a problem with the wiring system on the other side of your ignition cylinder. This wiring connects to your vehicle’s immobilizer and what sends the signal into the engine to allow the vehicle to start. If your engine won’t start, contact a local locksmith company before reaching out to a mechanic. A locksmith can walk you through the process of checks over the phone to help you determine if the lock cylinder is involved. This can help you save some cash by avoiding a mechanic if it’s just a lock cylinder issue.

#3: Your Engine Stalls

In this scenario, your vehicle appears to start up and drive fine, but it begins to stall here and there, usually when your car is idling, such as at a red light or in the drive-thru. This can be an anxiety-provoking and even dangerous problem that requires immediate attention by a professional. This is also a problem that can usually be traced either to a failing ignition cylinder, or to the wiring system that connects your ignition cylinder to the other components of your engine.  

#4: You Lose Your Key

This final problem isn’t actually a problem with your ignition cylinder, but can still cause you a headache if it occurs. Nearly all of us have had the experience of misplacing our keys at one time or another. Luckily, we usually find our keys in the last place we look. However, sometimes you’ve truly lost your car key or it’s been stolen. If you don’t have a spare key available, you’ll need to contact a locksmith to have a new copy made from the lock. Most modern car keys can’t just be duplicated like a house key. They have electronic chips inserted into the head of the key that need to be programmed correctly by a locksmith to match the code of your ignition system. Otherwise, they won’t operate your vehicle. A locksmith can provide you with this service at a much lower cost than the dealership. Most locksmiths are available 24/7 to address these and other concerns.  

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem   

Ignition cylinder problems can range from a minor nuisance to causing a complete vehicle lockout. Either way, it’s important to get ahold of a professional locksmith company right away from assistance. A locksmith company will be able to assist you, even if the problem happens in the middle of the night. Many people are not aware that a certified locksmith is trained and perfectly capable of replacing an ignition cylinder, but the service is a common one. Turning to a locksmith will allow you to have the service performed by an expert but at a much lower cost than other potential service providers.

What you shouldn’t do, especially if you’re experiencing problems with the vehicle stalling at random intervals or having difficulty starting here and there, is to just ignore the problem. While no one really likes having to make a service call, using the wait-and-see approach with these issues never works out well. When an ignition cylinder problem is diagnosed early, it can often be repaired instead of a full ignition cylinder replacement or other issues. At the very least, you want to make sure your vehicle is safe to operate. Don’t put the lives of yourself or others at risk by driving a vehicle with serious operational problems.  

If you think there’s a problem with your ignition cylinder, it’s recommended to call a professional as soon as possible before the situation gets worse. Douglasville GA Locksmith can assist you in repairing or replacing your ignition cylinder, no matter the make, model, or year of your vehicle. Don’t delay if you’re having operational issues with your vehicle, as usually the problem will deteriorate.

 


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Douglasville GA Locksmith accepts all major credit cards:
Douglasville Locksmith accepts all major credit cards

Douglasville Mobile Locksmith

Douglasville GA Locksmith

24 Hour Mobile Locksmith Service
Dispatch Address: 2281 Midway Rd, #424, Douglasville, GA 30135
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Email: service@douglasvillegalocksmith.com
Phone: (678) 388-3045
Douglasville Mobile Locksmith