Signs of a Bad Ignition Cylinder
If you know what to look for when your ignition cylinder begins to act up, you may be able to avoid some of the troubles that are associated with a faulty ignition cylinder. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for.
- It is difficult to insert or remove your key from the ignition
This is one of the most subtle signs that there is something wrong with your ignition cylinder. It is also one of the most overlooked symptoms. How come? Well, many persons are not staring at their ignition cylinder while trying to insert the key. Many people will often mistake this symptom for a lack of concentration or focus. However, it is a sign that some more serious symptoms are coming.
Make sure that you are inserting the correct key in the ignition as well. If you are trying to put the wrong key in the ignition, not only will it be difficult to insert but you may end up damaging your key as well as the lock.
- The ignition cylinder is overheating
This symptom is also very easy to miss. Not many people will touch their ignition cylinder. From time to time, make sure that you check the temperature of your ignition cylinder. If it is too hot, it is highly likely that there is something wrong. Once your ignition cylinder begins to overheat, make sure that you let a locksmith have a look at it. You may need to replace it.
- You cannot turn the key in the ignition
If you cannot turn your key in the ignition of your vehicle, make sure that you are in the right gear and your steering wheel is in the right position. If you have any other security feature on your vehicle that may prevent your key from turning, make sure you address that as well. If your key still cannot turn in the ignition, you have a problem on your hands.
Hopefully, you will be able to remove your key, but if this happens to you, a new ignition cylinder may be inevitable.
- The key gets stuck in the ignition
This is another symptom that you have to double check as it may be due to errors that you are making. A stuck key may be a sign that you are in the wrong gear or your steering wheel is locked. Make sure everything is in place and it is truly a problem with your ignition cylinder before you make any conclusions.
However, once you realize that your ignition is really the problem, you will need to call a locksmith to remove that stuck key and possibly replace the ignition cylinder to prevent the problem from recurring.
- You have to try several times before you can start the vehicle
This is one common sign that many people recognize. It is very hard to miss especially if the problem is new and your vehicle used to start very easily before. Although you may not need to change your ignition cylinder immediately when this begins to happen, it means that with each passing day, the need to replace the ignition cylinder gets greater. In fact, once you realize that this is happening to your vehicle, you should begin to make arrangements to have the ignition cylinder replaced.
- You cannot start the vehicle
This symptom usually follows other warning signs. In many cases, this is the final warning that you will receive as it does not usually happen instantly. If you cannot start your vehicle by using the ignition, you may be able to bypass it and start your car, but this is not recommended. It can cause other damage that may end up adding to the costs of a new ignition cylinder.
- The vehicle shuts off while driving
If you are able to start your vehicle despite the ignition having problems, you may end up experiencing an unexplained shut off while driving. Once you experience a shut off like this, it is unavoidable- you need to replace your ignition cylinder. If you are in the middle of traffic or you are on your way to somewhere important, this can be a big inconvenience. This is why once you notice anything strange with your ignition cylinder, you should have it checked by a professional automotive locksmith.
