Car ignition repair and replacement, on site.
When the key will not turn, sticks, or turns without starting the car, the ignition lock cylinder is often worn or damaged. Lock Raven repairs and replaces ignition cylinders where the car is parked, rekeys the new cylinder to your existing key when possible, and cuts and programs a new key if yours is worn too.
Signs your ignition needs attention
- The key will not turn, or only turns after jiggling.
- The key gets stuck and will not come out.
- The key turns but the dash stays dark or the engine will not crank.
- The key turns too freely, or the cylinder feels loose.
- The ignition was damaged in a break-in or theft attempt.
First, try the steering wheel
If the key will not turn, the steering lock may be engaged. Turn the steering wheel gently left and right while turning the key. If that frees it, the ignition is fine. Avoid forcing the key: a snapped key in the ignition is a bigger job. If it does break, see broken key extraction.
Repair, replace, or a new key
Sometimes the cylinder is fine and the key is worn, so a new key fixes it. A worn cylinder can often be rebuilt. A damaged one is replaced, and the new cylinder is usually keyed to match your existing key, so you keep one key for the doors and ignition. Cars with a transponder key also need the key programmed to the immobilizer, which we do on site.
How it works.
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Call with your vehicle
Year, make, model, and what the key is doing. We confirm the likely fix before heading out.
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Diagnose at the car
We check the key, the cylinder, and the steering lock to find the real cause.
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Repair or replace
Rebuild or replace the cylinder, key it to match, and program a key if needed.
Related services.
- Broken key extraction A key that snaps off in a lock or ignition can usually be extracted without replacing the lock. Learn more
- Car key replacement Lost every key to your car, or need a replacement for a broken one? Lock Raven cuts and programs replacement car keys where the car is parked, including all-keys-lost jobs, so there is no tow to a dealership. Learn more
- Transponder and spare keys Most cars since the late 1990s use transponder keys: a chip in the key head talks to the immobilizer, and the car will not start without it. Learn more
Ignition repair across Central Maryland.
Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, and Howard counties. All service areas
Ignition repair: common questions.
Straight answers, without the upsell.
Does the car need to be towed?
Usually not. Ignition repair and replacement are done where the car is parked.
Can the new ignition use my old key?
Often, yes. The new cylinder can usually be keyed to match your existing key so one key still works the doors and ignition.
What about push-button start cars?
Push-start cars have no ignition cylinder. If the car does not detect the key, the fob, its battery, or its programming is the usual cause. See push-to-start smart keys.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the hardware, the door, and the number of locks, so we price every job before any work starts. Call with the details, or send the quote form, and you will have a price before you commit to anything.
Get a quote.
Tell us about the job and we will reply the same day. For a lockout, call (410) 449-4940.
We accept Cash, all major credit and debit cards, checks, Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.