What to Do if You Have Ignition Cylinder Problems

If you are like most Americans, you likely spend a good majority of your time in your car. Whether you are commuting to and from work or rushing your children off to school and other activities, there is no doubt that you and your family rely heavily on your car on a daily basis. When a problem comes up with our cars, sometimes it can be difficult to accurately identify the source of the problem. This is especially true if you may be unfamiliar with the various parts of your car and how they work.

One common problem for vehicle owners that can be distressing and inconvenient is a worn out or broken ignition cylinder. Your ignition cylinder is mostly hidden and involves the slot for your car key, along with the inner mechanism, or cylinder that helps turn your car on. Using your ignition cylinder happens any time you turn the car on and off. Ignition cylinder problems are common for this reason due to the daily use. There are several indicators you can looks for and a few signs to be aware of that may signal there is a problem with your ignition cylinder. Below you will find the most common signs that your ignition cylinder is worn out, broken, or needs to be replaced.

You Cannot Get Your Car to Turn On

There are a couple of reasons why your car may not turn on when you insert and twist your key. You might be thinking there is an issue with your car battery or some other problem, for example. However, this is actually one of the most common symptoms of a faulty ignition cylinder. Sometimes, if your ignition cylinder has been worn down, your key will not be effective. Ignition cylinders are used every time you turn on your car. So before you assume that there may be a bigger problem with your vehicle, such as a dead or worn battery, consider that your ignition cylinder takes a lot of wear and tear and it is common to need to replace them.

You Cannot Turn on the Interior Lights or Electrical System

Usually with one turn of your key in the ignition cylinder, you are able to power on the interior electrical panels in your car without necessarily turning on the engine. If you find that when you attempt to start your car that you are not even able to get past one turn of your key and light up your dashboard, then it is possible your ignition cylinder is to blame. Similarly to when your car will not start at all, not being able to have any power come on at all may signal that your ignition cylinder is not working.

Your Key Will Not Enter the Slot or Cylinder

Let’s say you try to insert your key into your ignition cylinder and you find yourself unable to. This may mean that there is something blocking the slot in the cylinder. It could also be that one of the smaller parts within the ignition cylinder has come loose and is preventing the cylinder from working properly with the key. Check to see if you can visibly see anything blocking the cylinder entrance. Whether or not you can determine if there is some sort of block, do not try to force your key into the cylinder. This could cause unnecessary damage to your car and ignition cylinder.


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