The car ignition system doesn't shut down suddenly without giving you a few warnings first, in fact it gives you a string of increasingly annoying clues about six weeks before you end up dead in a parking lot. Learning these signs is what will save you from an inconvenient breakdown when you're least expecting one. Below are five warning signs that can alert you of the problem.
A little information on how the ignition cylinder works
The ignition cylinder is the part where you put your key and turn to unlock your car. Embedded in this cylinder are very tiny wafers that fit in with the shape of your key. When you turn your key, the cylinder sends a message to your vehicle to get started. However, over time, the inner components become worn out, causing problems in functioning. The following signs indicate this.
A healthy ignition cylinder turns when you apply minimal effort. When the process starts becoming increasingly difficult, it could mean that the inner wafers are wearing out.
Some drivers develop an annoying habit of constantly trying to find a "sweet spot" in their key, rotating it to get it right and start the car. In fact, you need not try so much and simply rotate a key easily to let a car work. However, as an ignition cylinder wears, finding the sweet spot becomes mandatory.
Once a key does not turn at all and stays in the cylinder no matter how much you are trying to move it, it means that something went wrong with an ignition system of your car. Of course, it cannot be called a pleasant experience since it leaves you unable to get the key out.
If a key does not want to move, try not to force it. In case you twist and pull the key too strongly, it can break inside an ignition cylinder and complicate repair process significantly. Better take the key out by contacting an expert.
As was said above, ignition cylinder is not just a mechanism. Its electrical contacts are responsible for providing necessary power to car accessories such as the dashboard when you turn the key. Once these contacts start failing, they become prone to intermittent contact with wires that can lead to dashboard lighting up or dimming depending on where the contacts are placed.
Cars that do not always crank can indicate ignition cylinder failures rather than engine problems especially in case when the battery of your car is fine. Intermittent issues with your car might not seem important since they disappear on their own. Still, this problem does not go away and can cause serious issues in the future.
It is important that in most cases symptoms caused by worn keys and cylinders are identical which is why a specialist has to inspect both of them to recommend a solution. While worn key issues can be solved with buying a new one that will fix everything for much less money than replacing the cylinder, a cylinder is a bigger problem. Still, the good news is that most ignition cylinders can be either fixed or replaced, moreover, new cylinders can be keyed to fit existing keys which means you can keep using your favorite key for the same car.
People usually postpone the repair of an ignition system hoping that it won't be difficult to cope with. Unfortunately, ignition problems only grow worse over time, making them extremely unpleasant when they occur suddenly. Being prepared to act and choosing the right time for fixing problems with your ignition system is not just stress reducing but financially beneficial.
You're likely to get prior warning if your ignition breaks down soon. Stiff ignition cylinder rotation, jiggle ritual, inability to remove the key, flickering of the dashboard light, and intermittent no starts indicate that it's high time to visit a locksmith. Because a worn key and ignition cylinder produce almost the same symptoms, the right solution to take is to inspect both parts. Early action helps maintain the ignition working properly for many more years.
If you visit a locksmith to fix the problem, the primary task will be diagnosing the problem instead of guessing. Both the key and cylinder should be inspected because it's impossible to tell whether you need key replacement or ignition repair based only on the symptoms. Worn key is easily and cheaply replaced. However, if the ignition switch/cylinder is the source of the problem, the best solution is repair/replacement of the unit. In addition, it's advisable to get the new cylinder rekeyed.
Don't push it deeper. The right first steps protect your lock.
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