Car Ignition Repair in North Dallas

An ignition that sticks usually gets worse slowly, then fails all at once. The usual causes are a worn key, worn tumblers inside the ignition cylinder or a steering lock that’s binding. These are locksmith problems rather than engine problems, and we can usually sort them out at your vehicle.

Common ignition problems

• The key won’t turn, or only turns after a lot of jiggling
• The key is stuck in the ignition and won’t come out
• The steering wheel is locked and the key won’t budge
• The key turns too freely, with no resistance, and nothing happens
• The ignition feels loose, or the key goes in at an angle

Try this first

If the steering wheel is locked, gently turn it left and right while you turn the key — the steering lock can bind against the ignition, and easing it often frees the key. If the key won’t come out, make sure the car is fully in Park. If neither helps, don’t force it: a bent or snapped key makes the job bigger. If a key has already snapped, see broken key extraction.

How we fix it

1. Tell us the symptoms when you call, along with the year, make and model.
2. Get a clear quote for the likely fix. If it turns out to be something different once we see the car, we’ll check with you before going further.
3. We find the cause, whether it’s the key, the cylinder or the steering lock.
4. We repair or replace the ignition cylinder, and match it to your key or make new keys.
5. We test the ignition and every key with you before we leave.

What to have ready

• The year, make and model
• Every key you have for the car
• Photo ID and proof of ownership

Good to know

Not every no-start is the ignition

If the key turns but the engine doesn’t crank, the cause may be the battery, the starter or the wiring. If a security light flashes, it could be the key’s chip — see transponder chip keys. We’ll tell you honestly if it’s a job for a mechanic rather than a locksmith.

Go easy on the key ring

A heavy bunch of keys hanging from the ignition key wears the cylinder over time. Keeping your car key on a light ring of its own helps a repaired ignition last.

Push-button start cars

Cars with a start button don’t have a key cylinder to wear out. If yours won’t start, the smart key may be the issue — see push-to-start smart keys.

Related services

• Broken key extraction if a key snapped in the ignition
• Car key replacement for worn keys
• Transponder chip keys when the security light flashes
• Car door lock repair for the locks that match your key

We repair ignitions across North Dallas and nearby cities, including Dallas, Plano and Richardson. See every city on our service areas page.