Key Won’t Turn? Try This First
Before you call, two quick checks fix a lot of “stuck ignition” problems:
- The steering lock. If the wheel was turned when you parked, the lock pin can bind. Turn the wheel gently left and right while turning the key.
- Park. On automatic cars the key often won’t turn or come out unless the shifter is fully in Park. Push it firmly into Park and try again.
Don’t force the key. A key that bends or snaps inside the ignition turns a simple fix into a bigger one. If these don’t work, call us.
Ignition Problems We Fix
- Key won’t turn at all, or only turns with a lot of jiggling
- Key stuck and won’t come out of the ignition
- Broken key with part of the blade left inside the cylinder
- Worn ignition cylinder that accepts the key loosely or turns without starting
- Ignition damage after a break-in attempt
How We Diagnose and Repair the Ignition
- Find the cause. Is it the key, the cylinder, the steering lock or the car’s electronics? A badly worn key is a common cause, and a freshly cut key sometimes fixes the problem on its own.
- Extract broken keys with proper extraction tools, without damaging the cylinder.
- Repair or replace. If the cylinder’s wafers are worn, we repair it where possible. If it’s beyond repair, we replace it and make it work with your key, or supply a new matching key.
- Program if needed. If the ignition swap affects the car’s immobilizer, we program the keys so the car starts.
We do this work at your car whenever the issue can be fixed on site. If a repair truly needs a shop, we’ll tell you before any work starts.
Repair or Replace?
- Repair usually makes sense when the cylinder is worn but not broken.
- Replace makes sense after a break-in, when parts are broken, or when repair would cost close to a new cylinder.
We explain which one your car needs, and why, before we start.
Vehicle Makes and Models Covered
We work on keyed ignitions on most makes, including Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Subaru. Push-to-start cars don’t have a key cylinder, but the same “won’t start” symptoms often trace back to the fob; see key fob programming and replacement.
What Ignition Repair Costs
The price depends on whether it’s a key extraction, a cylinder repair or a full replacement, and on the car. We quote on the phone once we know the year, make, model and symptoms, and confirm the price before starting work. See our pricing page and warranty policy.
Why Choose Hub Key Services for Ignition Repair
- We check the cheap fix first. Sometimes it’s the key, not the ignition.
- Done at your car whenever the job allows it.
- Keys and ignition sorted in one visit, including new keys if you need them.
- Licensed and insured, California locksmith license LCO-8291.
Read more in our article Is your ignition sticking?
Ignition Repair FAQs
Can you get a broken key out of my ignition?
Yes. We use extraction tools to pull the broken piece out without damaging the cylinder, then cut you a new key.
Why is my key hard to turn?
Usually a worn key, worn cylinder parts, or a steering lock under pressure. Try turning the wheel while turning the key. If it keeps happening, have it checked before it fails completely.
Will I need a new key if you replace the ignition?
Sometimes. We can often make the new cylinder work with your existing key. If not, we cut and program new keys at the same visit.
Is it safe to keep driving with a sticky ignition?
It usually gets worse, not better, and can leave you stuck with a key that won’t turn or won’t come out. It’s worth fixing early.
