Key Won't Turn? Check the Steering Lock First
Before assuming the ignition is dead, try this: turn the steering wheel gently left and right while turning the key. If the wheel was nudged after shutoff, the steering lock binds the cylinder, and that simple move frees it. Also try your spare key — if the spare turns smoothly, your daily key is worn, not your ignition. A worn key is a cheap fix; ignoring it grinds down the wafers inside the cylinder until nothing turns. If neither trick works, or the key sticks halfway, the cylinder itself likely needs attention.
Ignition Cylinder Repair and Replacement On Site
Our techs service ignitions where the car sits. Sometimes the fix is cleaning and re-wafering a gummed-up cylinder; sometimes the cylinder is too worn and gets replaced. Either way, the work happens curbside or in the garage — no tow, no dealer appointment. When we replace a cylinder, we can keep your existing key working or cut a fresh one, depending on the setup.
One thing we tell every caller: never force a sticking key. A key snapped off inside the ignition turns a repair into an extraction plus a repair.
Is It the Ignition or the Key? How We Tell
The symptoms overlap, so we test in order. A key that turns the door locks but not the ignition points to the cylinder. A key that fails everywhere is usually worn cuts. Dashboard lights that die when you turn the key suggest an electrical issue beyond the lock — and we'll say so honestly rather than sell you a cylinder you don't need. Getting this diagnosis right at the curb is exactly why a mobile locksmith is the smart first call: you find out what's wrong before anyone tows anything.
Common Questions
Why won't my key turn in the ignition?
The most common causes are an engaged steering-wheel lock, a worn key, or a worn ignition cylinder. Try turning the wheel gently while turning the key, then try your spare. If both fail, call us for an on-site diagnosis.
Do I have to tow my car to a dealer for ignition work?
Usually not. We repair and replace ignition cylinders at your location — street, garage, or driveway — across all five boroughs.
Can a worn key damage the ignition?
Yes. Worn cuts grind against the wafers inside the cylinder every time you start the car, wearing the ignition out faster. Replacing a worn key early is the cheaper fix.
What does ignition repair cost?
It depends on whether the cylinder can be repaired or needs replacement. You get a transparent quote before work begins — no hidden fees.