Ignition repair
When the key won't turn, the problem usually isn't the key. Worn and jammed ignitions and lock cylinders can be repaired, which is cheaper than replacing them and lets you keep the key you already have.
WhatsApp- From $225
- Ignition repair. Starting price, not a flat rate.
- Keep your original key
- Repairing means no rekeying and no new keys to program.
- We come to you
- Mobile across London and Southwestern Ontario.
- Mercedes steering locks
- ESL/ELV repair from $245.
Is this your car?
The signs of a worn ignition.
Ignition cylinders fail slowly, so the early symptoms get explained away for months before the key stops turning altogether. The pattern is usually one of these: the key only turns if you jiggle it, or hold the wheel a certain way, or push it in and pull it back a fraction. It sticks in one position. It goes in but won't come out. Or a spare that used to work has quietly stopped.
The reason this gets mistaken for a key problem is that a worn key and a worn cylinder feel identical from the driver's seat. The difference matters, because one of them is a $45 fix and the other isn't.
Repair or replace
Fixing the ignition is usually the cheaper end.
There are two ways out of a failing ignition. Replace the whole assembly, which on most modern cars means new keys and new programming because the replacement doesn't know your key. Or repair the cylinder you have, which keeps your original key working and skips the programming entirely.
We repair where the cylinder can be repaired, and say so when it can't. On Mercedes-Benz vehicles the same symptoms often come from the electronic steering lock (ESL/ELV) or the electronic ignition switch rather than a mechanical cylinder — a different job, and one we do. See Mercedes key replacement and EIS/EZS work.
| Job | From |
|---|---|
| Ignition repair | $225 |
| Mercedes ESL / ELV repair | $245 |
| Spare key, cut while we're there | $45 |
These are starting prices, not flat rates. Full pricing for every job type is on the price list, and if the diagnosis turns out to be the key rather than the cylinder, that's key replacement instead.
Key doesn't turn?
Key doesn't turn, key stuck in the ignition, cylinder won't turn — start here.
People describe the same fault a dozen ways: the key doesn't turn, the key is stuck in the ignition, the ignition won't turn, the cylinder isn't turning, the key goes in but won't come out. Almost every one of them is a worn or jammed lock cylinder, and almost every one of them is repairable without new keys.
Three makes account for most of the cylinder failures we see: Volkswagen, Honda, and Chevrolet — roughly four out of five worn cylinders that come to us are on one of those. If you drive one and the key has started needing a jiggle, that's the cylinder talking. Any make can wear out, though, so the year, make and model is all we need to tell you whether it's the cylinder or the key.
- Key doesn't turn, or only turns after wiggling it or moving the steering wheel
- Key stuck in the ignition — goes in, won't come out
- Ignition turns to accessory but not to start
- Cylinder not turning at all, on a key that used to work
Don't force it. A key snapped off inside the cylinder turns a repair into a bigger job. Call, and we'll come to the car.
What customers say
700+ Google reviews · 4.9★
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★★★★★
"So fast, efficient and friendly. They took my vehicle in on a Monday morning for an issue with the ignition cylinder, and I had it back good as new by Monday evening! They even made me a spare key to go along with my newly repaired ignition cylinder."
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★★★★★
"Oscar did a great job. He said he would be there in 8 minutes and he was. He came prepared and he programmed the used ECU to match my original keys. It was seamless and professional. I highly recommend him. Thank you."
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Call (519) 697-0329FAQ
Ignition repair questions, answered straight.
My key won't turn in the ignition. What's wrong?
Usually wear. An ignition lock cylinder has small spring-loaded parts that the key lines up every time you start the car, and after enough years they stop lining up cleanly. If you've been jiggling the key, turning the wheel to free it, or finding it only works at one particular angle, that's a cylinder on its way out rather than a key problem.
Which cars have the most ignition cylinder problems?
In our experience, Volkswagen, Honda, and Chevrolet — roughly four out of five of the worn or jammed cylinders we repair are on one of those three makes. Any make can wear out, though. If your key doesn't turn, tell us the year, make and model and we'll say whether it's the cylinder or the key.
My key is stuck in the ignition and won't come out. Can you help?
Yes. A key that goes in but won't come out, or won't turn back to the off position, is another symptom of a worn cylinder or a jammed lock. Don't force it — a key snapped off inside the ignition is a bigger job than a repair. Call us and we'll come to the car.
Can you repair the ignition instead of replacing my keys?
Often, yes. If your ignition is worn or jammed, we can repair the ignition or lock cylinder so you keep using your original key — no rekeying, and no dealer visit. Send us your year, make, and model and we'll tell you what your car needs.
What does ignition repair cost in London, Ontario?
Ignition repair starts at $225. Mercedes-Benz electronic steering lock (ESL/ELV) repair starts at $245. Those are starting prices, not flat rates — the vehicle decides the job. We match written estimates.
Will I need new keys after an ignition repair?
No, and that's the point of repairing rather than replacing. A repaired cylinder still accepts the key you already carry. Plenty of people take the opportunity to have a spare cut while the car is with us, but that's a choice, not a requirement.
Do I have to bring the car in?
Not usually — we're mobile across London and Southwestern Ontario. Some ignition work is easier at the shop on Hamilton Rd, so tell us the year, make and model and we'll say honestly which makes more sense for your car.