Ignition Repair and Replacement in San Jose

An ignition problem usually shows up as one of three things. The key goes in but will not rotate. The key turns partway and stalls between accessory and start. Or the cylinder turns freely and nothing happens at all. Each points somewhere different — worn wafers inside the lock, a damaged key blade, a failed cylinder retainer, or a switch behind the lock that no longer sends the signal. The first job on site is telling those apart before anything comes out of the dash.

We diagnose and service the ignition at the vehicle. That means steering column trim comes off in place, the cylinder is checked against the key, and the lock is either repaired, rekeyed to the existing key, or replaced with a new cylinder that matches the vehicle. On transponder-equipped cars the key also has to be recognized by the immobilizer after the work is done, so programming is part of the same visit rather than a second trip somewhere else.

San Jose cars cover a wide age range, from long-owned commuter sedans with high mileage on the original cylinder to newer vehicles with push-button systems and column locks tied to the electronics. Older ignitions tend to fail from simple wear — years of a heavy keyring hanging off the key rounds the wafers and the key blade together. Newer failures lean electrical. We tell you which one we are looking at, and what the work involves, with upfront pricing before we start.

We run same-day service, work weekends, and take 24/7 emergency calls. If you are stranded in a lot with a key that will not turn, call and we come to the vehicle.