Automotive service
Ignition repair in Ottawa
A key that will not turn in the ignition is usually a worn cylinder rather than a broken key.
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45–90 min
Typical arrival in Ottawa
Quoted
Typical starting price
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How it works
A key that will not turn in the ignition is usually a worn cylinder rather than a broken key. Consequently replacing the key alone rarely fixes it. Urban Locksmith repairs and rebuilds ignition cylinders across Ottawa, at the vehicle.
- Step 1
Steering lock ruled out
Because that explains many cases.
- Step 2
Cylinder assessed
Wafer wear, actuator, or electrical switch.
- Step 3
Rebuilt or replaced
Rebuild where the housing is sound.
- Step 4
Key cut to match
So a fresh key does not wear it again.
Try the steering lock first
The most common cause is not a fault at all. When the wheel is under tension against the steering lock, the key will not turn. Consequently wiggling the wheel left and right while turning the key releases it. Furthermore, an automatic must be fully in Park before the ignition will move. Therefore try both before assuming anything has failed.
Worn wafers and tired keys
Ignition cylinders use wafers rather than pins, and they wear with every use. Meanwhile the key wears too. Consequently the two age together until eventually the key no longer lifts the wafers correctly. Additionally, a key that only works at a specific angle is describing exactly this. Therefore replacing both the cylinder and the key together is often the real fix.
Typical starting price
Quoted
No. That points at the electrical switch behind the cylinder.
Repair or replace the cylinder
Many ignition cylinders can be rebuilt with new wafers and springs, which costs far less than replacement. However, a cylinder with a damaged housing or a seized actuator has gone too far. Consequently Urban Locksmith assesses before quoting and gives both options. Above all, we would rather rebuild a sound cylinder than sell a new one.
Ignition versus electrical
A cylinder that turns freely but produces nothing points at the electrical switch behind it rather than the lock. Consequently that is a different repair. Similarly, a car that cranks but will not start is a fuel or immobiliser issue, not an ignition lock one. Therefore diagnosing which system has failed saves replacing the wrong part.
Questions about ignition repair
My key will not turn. Is the ignition broken?
Often not. Consequently try wiggling the steering wheel first.
Can an ignition be repaired?
Frequently yes, by replacing wafers and springs.
Do I need a new key too?
Usually, because the old key wore the cylinder.
Can you do this at the roadside?
Yes, in most cases without removing the column.
My key turns but nothing happens. Same problem?
No. That points at the electrical switch behind the cylinder.
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Where we cover
Across Ottawa and every community within an hour’s drive — 47 areas in total, from downtown out to Kanata, Barrhaven, Carleton Place, Kemptville and Rockland. You get an honest arrival window on the phone rather than a number chosen to win the booking.