Automotive service
Ignition replacement in Ottawa
When an ignition cylinder is past rebuilding, replacement is the honest answer.
613.801.8531
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60–120 min
Typical arrival in Ottawa
Quoted
Typical starting price
Insured
Insured and bonded, 12+ years
How it works
When an ignition cylinder is past rebuilding, replacement is the honest answer. Urban Locksmith supplies and fits ignition cylinders across Ottawa, and can usually key the new one to your existing door key so you still carry one key.
- Step 1
Rebuild ruled out
Because many cylinders can be saved.
- Step 2
Cylinder replaced
Column dismantled only as far as needed.
- Step 3
Keyed to your door key
So you keep carrying one key.
- Step 4
Immobiliser tested
Transponder ring confirmed working.
When replacement is unavoidable
A cracked housing, a seized actuator or a cylinder someone has already forced cannot be rebuilt. Consequently replacement becomes the only route. Furthermore, a cylinder drilled during a theft attempt is finished regardless of how it looks. Therefore we assess first, because plenty of cylinders reported as dead are simply worn and rebuildable.
Keeping one key for everything
A replacement cylinder normally comes with its own key, which leaves you carrying two. However, most cylinders can be keyed to match your existing door key. Consequently one key continues to open the doors and start the car. Therefore ask about it, because doing it during the fit costs far less than returning later.
Typical starting price
Quoted
Yes. We test the transponder ring after fitting.
The transponder ring
Around the ignition sits a coil that reads the transponder chip. Consequently replacing the cylinder sometimes disturbs it, and a damaged ring stops the car recognising any key. Furthermore, the ring is a separate part from the cylinder. Therefore we test the immobiliser after fitting rather than assuming the mechanical work finished the job.
Steering column work
Some vehicles allow cylinder replacement with the column intact. By contrast, others require removing shrouds and occasionally the airbag clockspring, which needs care. Consequently the time varies considerably by model. Therefore we quote based on your specific vehicle rather than a flat figure, and we tell you if the job is better done off the roadside.
Questions about ignition replacement
Can my ignition be repaired instead?
Often yes. Consequently we always assess before replacing.
Will I need a second key?
Not if we key the new cylinder to your existing door key.
How long does it take?
Between one and two hours, depending on the column.
Can you do it where the car is parked?
Usually. However, some models are better done off the roadside.
Will the immobiliser still work?
Yes. We test the transponder ring after fitting.
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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.