Ignition Repair & Replacement
Expert ignition cylinder repair and replacement. Fix stuck, broken, or worn ignition systems.
Call (619) 535-8000Ignition cylinder problems rank among the most frustrating automotive issues San Diego residents face, often occurring without warning and leaving vehicles completely inoperable. The ignition cylinder—the mechanism where you insert and turn your key to start your vehicle—contains precision mechanical components that wear over years of daily use, eventually causing keys to stick, refuse to turn, break off inside the cylinder, or fail to return to proper positions.
Understanding the Challenge
Ignition cylinder problems manifest in several distinct ways, each creating significant challenges for vehicle owners.
The most common issue involves worn internal components preventing smooth key operation.
Over years of use, the spring-loaded wafers or pins inside ignition cylinders wear down, causing keys to stick when inserted, require excessive force to turn, or fail to return fully to the off position after starting.
Some worn cylinders allow keys to be removed while the ignition remains in the on or accessory position, draining your battery.
Broken keys represent another frequent problem—applying force to turn worn or sticky ignitions can snap key blades, leaving broken pieces lodged deep inside the cylinder.
Without specialized extraction tools, removing these broken pieces without damaging the cylinder proves nearly impossible for vehicle owners.
Our Solution
Auto Key SD's comprehensive ignition cylinder repair and replacement service addresses all these issues with professional mobile service throughout San Diego County.
When you call (619) 535-8000 describing ignition problems, our experienced dispatch team asks targeted questions determining your specific issue: whether keys won't turn, are stuck, are broken inside the cylinder, or if you're experiencing other ignition-related problems.
We provide accurate service estimates and schedule appointments at your location and convenient time.
Our mobile service vans carry specialized equipment and inventory including: extensive selection of ignition cylinders for hundreds of vehicle makes and models, professional broken key extraction tools designed for automotive ignition cylinders, ignition cylinder rekeying equipment and pin/wafer kits, steering column service tools for cylinder removal and installation, key cutting and transponder programming equipment, and diagnostic tools for distinguishing mechanical cylinder problems from electrical ignition switch issues.
Response time typically runs 25-40 minutes in most San Diego areas.
Upon arrival, our certified technician performs thorough diagnosis starting with visual inspection of key and cylinder condition, attempting various techniques to operate the cylinder if stuck, checking steering wheel lock position and advising on proper unlocking if needed, testing key operation if cylinder turns but won't start vehicle (checking transponder communication), and determining whether repair, extraction, or replacement provides the best solution.
Technical Expertise
Automotive ignition cylinders operate through precision mechanical systems that have remained fundamentally similar for decades despite advances in vehicle security.
The basic ignition cylinder contains a cylindrical housing fixed to the steering column, a rotating cylinder (plug) that turns when the key is inserted and rotated, and spring-loaded wafers or pins inside the plug that must align correctly for the cylinder to turn.
When you insert the correct key, the key's cuts push these wafers or pins to precise heights allowing the plug to rotate freely.
Incorrect keys leave wafers or pins protruding, preventing rotation.
Most domestic vehicles (Ford, GM, Chrysler) use wafer tumblers—flat metal pieces with springs pushing them outward.
Asian vehicles (Honda, Toyota, Nissan) typically use similar wafer systems.
Some European luxury vehicles use pin tumbler systems similar to house door locks but with automotive-specific designs.
The ignition cylinder connects mechanically to the ignition switch—an electrical component with multiple positions (off, accessory, on, start) that complete different electrical circuits.
Why Choose Auto Key SD?
Selecting Auto Key SD for ignition cylinder repair and replacement provides distinct advantages over dealerships and general mechanics throughout San Diego County.
Our mobile service eliminates towing needs—vehicles with non-functional ignitions cannot be driven to repair facilities, requiring expensive towing ($100-200 typically).
We come directly to your vehicle's location whether at home, work, or stranded roadside.
This convenience saves both towing costs and time spent coordinating vehicle transportation.
Our specialized expertise focuses on ignition systems and automotive locksmith services.
Unlike general mechanics who perform various auto repairs with limited ignition-specific experience, our technicians specialize in these exact issues, maintaining current knowledge of ignition cylinder designs across all manufacturers, proper extraction techniques for various scenarios, and efficient replacement and rekeying procedures.
Transparent Pricing
• Ignition cylinder repair and replacement costs depend on several factors San Diego residents should understand.
• Service type needed represents the primary cost determinant.
• Stuck ignition diagnosis and freeing (when successful without replacement) typically costs $80-140, covering diagnosis, application of specialized techniques and lubricants, and testing.
• Broken key extraction from ignition cylinders ranges $90-180 depending on extraction difficulty, depth of lodged key piece, and whether cylinder disassembly is required.
• Ignition cylinder replacement with rekeying (new cylinder rekeyed to match your existing keys) typically runs $250-400 for most vehicles, including new cylinder, removal of old cylinder, installation, complete rekeying to match your keys, and thorough testing.
• Ignition cylinder replacement with new keys (new cylinder with keys cut to match new cylinder) ranges $200-350 for most vehicles, including cylinder, installation, cutting new keys, programming transponders if applicable, and testing.
• Vehicle make and model impacts pricing significantly.
• Domestic vehicles (Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC) typically fall in lower ranges $200-300 due to simpler access and less expensive cylinder costs.
Service Area Coverage
Auto Key SD provides ignition cylinder repair and replacement services throughout San Diego County. Our mobile service covers central San Diego, all coastal communities, urban neighborhoods, East County, North County inland, and South Bay areas with typical 25-40 minute response times to most locations.
Fast Response Times: We serve stranded motorists wherever ignition problems occur—parking lots, roadside, residential areas, or workplaces throughout the county ensuring professional ignition service is accessible countywide..
Real-World Examples
Scenario 1
Issue: My 2010 Honda Civic key won't turn in the ignition. It goes in but won't rotate at all.
Solution: The steering wheel was locked in a position preventing ignition rotation. We instructed customer to gently turn steering wheel left/right while turning key. This released the steering lock and ignition turned normally. No repair needed, just proper technique. Service in Clairemont, 10 minutes, $75 service call.
Scenario 2
Issue: My key broke off in my ignition while trying to start my 2008 Toyota Camry. Half the key is stuck inside.
Solution: Used specialized broken key extraction tools to safely remove lodged key piece without damaging cylinder. Then cut new key and customer was on their way. Service at customer's workplace in Sorrento Valley, 35 minutes, $140.
Scenario 3
Issue: My ignition cylinder is extremely worn. Key turns but requires jiggling and doesn't always start. Dealer wants $850 for replacement.
Solution: Replaced worn ignition cylinder with new high-quality unit and rekeyed it to match customer's existing keys. No need for new door/trunk keys. Service at customer's Point Loma home, 75 minutes, $320—saving $530 versus dealer.
Scenario 4
Issue: Someone tried to steal my truck and destroyed the ignition cylinder. It's completely broken and dangling.
Solution: Removed destroyed cylinder and installed new unit. Cut new keys since old cylinder was too damaged to determine original key code. Also recommended steering column lock upgrade for added security. Service in National City, 90 minutes, $380.
Scenario 5
Issue: My 2015 Ford F-150 ignition is stuck in the accessory position and won't turn off or come back to off.
Solution: Ignition cylinder internal spring mechanism failed, preventing return to off position. Replaced cylinder and programmed new transponder keys. Ignition now operates smoothly through all positions. Service at customer's business in Mission Valley, 70 minutes, $350.
Scenario 6
Issue: My ignition key is stuck inside and won't come out. Car is off but key won't release from the ignition.
Solution: Worn cylinder wafers weren't allowing plug to fully return to key release position. Replaced cylinder with new unit and rekeyed to customer's existing keys. Ignition and key release work perfectly. Service at customer's La Jolla residence, 80 minutes, $340.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my ignition turn?
Common causes include worn ignition cylinder, bent key, steering wheel lock, or damaged wafers. We can diagnose and fix the issue.
Can you extract a broken key from my ignition?
Yes, we have specialized tools to extract broken keys from ignition cylinders without causing damage.
Do I need to replace the whole ignition assembly?
Often just the cylinder needs replacement. We'll assess your specific situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
My key is stuck in the ignition and won't come out. What should I do?
Don't force it. This usually indicates ignition cylinder wear or a mechanical issue. We can safely extract stuck keys and repair or replace the cylinder on-site.
How much does ignition cylinder replacement cost?
Costs range $200-450 depending on vehicle make and cylinder type. This includes the new cylinder, installation, key cutting, and programming if needed.
Can you rekey my new ignition cylinder to match my existing keys?
Yes, we can rekey new ignition cylinders to work with your existing keys, saving you from needing all new keys for your vehicle.
Need Ignition Repair & Replacement Now?
Our mobile team is ready to help anywhere in San Diego County. Call now for fast, professional service.