Ignition Cylinder Problems and Repairs

Your ignition cylinder plays one of the most important roles when it comes to the operation of your vehicle. Without a properly working ignition cylinder, it is likely you will not be able to drive very far. Your ignition cylinder sits tucked inside of your vehicle’s paneling, just to the right of your steering wheel. The key slot that you use to insert and remove your key is the top part of the ignition cylinder. The rest of the cylindrical-shaped device sits safely out of sight. 

Although your ignition cylinder may not seem intimidating, it is a critical component that is necessary for your vehicle to start, drive, and stop. Your ignition cylinder helps alert the vehicle when the key is properly positioned and also helps to hold the key in place while you are driving. When your ignition cylinder malfunctions, typically one or more of the three symptoms described below will occur.
Common Ignition Cylinder Issues

• The Vehicle Will Not Start

If your ignition cylinder is damaged in any way, your vehicle may not start. Your ignition cylinder can wear down over time, become knocked out of position, or have wiring or connectivity issues that cause it to malfunction. Even if everything appears fine on the outside of your ignition cylinder, it is likely that something internal is causing the problem.

• Receive Periodic Inspections

Noticing small problems and taking care of them immediately is the best way to avoid larger, and more expensive repairs. You can stay on top of how your ignition cylinder is performing by taking note of any changes yourself and also having a professional examine it from time to time. Ask a vehicle mechanic if your ignition cylinder is in good shape the next time you go in to have any necessary or seasonal automotive maintenance completed.

Another Potential Issue

There are other problems that may occur that may also mimic ignition cylinder problems. Because there are a lot of different mechanisms involved in starting and operating your vehicle, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the source of the problem lies. Consider some of the possibilities below if you think you are having ignition cylinder concerns. You may be experiencing one of the following issues instead of an ignition cylinder problem.

• Your Transponder Key is Not Working

If your vehicle will not turn on, it can indicate that your ignition cylinder is broken. However, it is also possible that your transponder key has stopped working. Transponder or ‘chip’ keys run on an electrical signal that connects a chip inside of the transponder key with another chip that is inside of the car. When one of these chips is broken or damaged, the signal is cut off. When this happens, your vehicle cannot recognize that you have the proper key in hand and will refuse to turn on. A mobile locksmith will be able to determine if either your ignition cylinder or transponder key is the source of the problem and make any necessary repairs.

• Some Other Vehicle Malfunction is Occurring 

Of course, if your vehicle will not turn on or is stalling, there could be a variety of reasons why this is happening. With how interconnected our vehicles are to various mechanisms that work hand-in-hand, it may be impossible to tell what exactly is going on with your vehicle without the help of a mechanic. If you have already addressed the smaller possibilities and find that both your ignition cylinder and transponder key are working fine, then it is probably time to consider that something more intense is happening with your vehicle.