Car Ignition Service in Burbank, CA
When the key won’t turn, sticks, or only works on the third try, the fault is usually mechanical: a worn key, a worn ignition lock cylinder, or both. We diagnose at the vehicle, repair the cylinder where that’s sound, replace it where it isn’t, and tell you if the fault is electronic rather than mechanical.
The ignition cylinder is not the immobilizer
On a turn-key vehicle, the ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical lock. Spring-loaded wafers inside line up with the cuts on your key so the cylinder can rotate. This page is about that mechanical part.
The immobilizer is a separate electronic system that checks the chip in your key. A cylinder can turn perfectly and the engine still won’t run if the key isn’t authorized. If the key turns fully and the engine cranks but doesn’t start, see immobilizer reset & reprogramming or no-start car diagnostics.
Common ignition problems
Key will not turn
The most common call. The steering lock may be binding (try turning the wheel gently while turning the key), the key may be too worn to lift the wafers, or wafers inside the cylinder may be stuck or broken.
Key sticks or turns only sometimes
Intermittent operation usually means wear on the key, the cylinder or both. It tends to get worse, and often ends with a key that won’t turn at all or won’t come out.
Worn key and cylinder interaction
Keys and cylinders wear together. A new key cut to factory depth can feel worse in a worn cylinder than the old key did. We check both before recommending a new key or a cylinder repair.
Key stuck in the ignition
The key won’t come out, often because the cylinder isn’t fully returned to the off position or the shifter isn’t registering Park. Key stuck in ignition covers what to check before calling.
Broken key
Part of a snapped blade left in the cylinder has to be removed before anything else. Broken key extraction explains the process.
Damaged ignition lock cylinder
Cylinders damaged by a theft attempt, a forced key or internal failure usually need replacing rather than repairing.
Diagnosis, repair and cylinder replacement
We start by finding where the fault is: the key, the cylinder, the steering lock or the electrical switch behind the cylinder. Some cylinders can be serviced by freeing or replacing worn internal parts. Others are worn or damaged beyond that and are replaced.
Matching the replacement cylinder to your key
Where the vehicle allows it, a replacement cylinder can be rekeyed to match your existing key. You keep one key that works in the doors, trunk and ignition. If matching isn’t possible, we explain the options, including a new key cut to the new cylinder.
Security steps after component changes
On some vehicles, replacing certain ignition or security components requires additional registration or programming before the car will start. On others it doesn’t. We confirm which applies from your VIN before quoting, and handle the key programming step where it’s needed.
Ignition guides
Key stuck in ignition
The key won’t come out. Checks you can do safely, and when to call.
Key stuck in ignitionBroken key extraction
Part of a snapped key is left in the ignition or a door lock.
Broken key extractionCar cranks but won’t start
If the key turns fully and the engine still won’t run, the fault may be electronic.
No-start car diagnosticsWhat to expect
Describe the symptom
Whether the key won’t turn, turns partway, sticks, or won’t come out, and the vehicle year, make and model.
Diagnose at the vehicle
The technician inspects the key, cylinder and steering lock and explains whether a repair or replacement is needed before starting.
Repair, match and test
The cylinder is repaired or replaced, matched to your key where possible, and tested through every position.
Helpful details
Vehicle
Year, make, model and VIN.
Symptom
What the key does, and whether it’s been getting worse.
Photo
The key and the ignition, if you can take them safely.
Location
Where the vehicle is parked and whether it can be moved.
Frequently asked questions
Should I spray lubricant into the ignition?
Avoid oil-based sprays. They attract dirt and can make sticking worse. Stop forcing the key, too; a snapped blade in the cylinder makes the job bigger.
Will I need a new key?
Not always. If the cylinder is replaced and matched to your existing key, you keep it. If your key is badly worn, a fresh key cut to code is often part of the fix.
Does this apply to push-button start cars?
Push-button vehicles don’t have a traditional ignition cylinder. Starting problems on those are usually covered under programming or immobilizer service.
Where we repair ignitions
Ignition work is done where the vehicle is, since a car with a failed ignition often can’t be driven. We cover Burbank and nearby Sunland, Sun Valley and Valley Glen.
Related automotive services
Broken blades and trapped ignition keys
A current registration or title and matching government-issued photo identification must be verified before automotive key, lock, or immobilizer service is performed.
Get help with an ignition
Call
Describe what the key is doing.
Text
Send the vehicle and a photo of the key and ignition.