By: Kalley Danese
Every
day, you are likely busy rushing your children to and from school and
activities, trying to get to work and appointments on time. You work hard to
keep your household running smoothly, so there is never a convenient time to
have something go wrong with your vehicle. As your primary form of
transportation to and from your responsibilities and obligations, it is
critical that all the functions of your vehicle are in proper, working
condition.
There is one common problem that most often do
not think about or consider – until, of course, the time comes when this little
car part makes a big fuss. Your ignition cylinder, or ignition switch as it is
also commonly referred to, is the primary point of contact for your car key and
the functions that turn the car on. An ignition cylinder is usually located on
the right-hand side of the driver’s seat in any given vehicle, just below the
steering wheel. The slot for your key is visible, along with what may look like
a flat, silver disc. Inside of the steering wheel sits the rest of the ignition
cylinder and the rounded part that gives an ignition cylinder its name.
You typically cannot see the inner workings of
your ignition switch and this is done by manufacturers on purpose. The ignition
cylinder on your vehicle is one of the lines of defense your car has in order
to deter theft. If the ignition switch is tampered with in any way, it can make
the car easier to steal or start without a key. Be sure to keep in mind that
while this little piece is small, it plays an important role in both the
functioning and security of your vehicle.
What To Do
If you are unsure if your ignition switch is the
problem, it is always best to take your car in to be looked at by a
professional right away. There are, however, several indicators or clues that
might let you know that your ignition cylinder is the source of your car
troubles. Below you will find the most common signals that your ignition
cylinder or switch is worn out and likely needs to be replaced.
It is important to also note that your ignition
cylinder is used every single time you turn on and turn off your vehicle. This
means that simply by default, your ignition cylinder takes a lot of wear and
tear over the course of its life. Needing to replace the ignition cylinder is a
common problem and it is unlikely that you did anything specific to interfere
with its functioning. If you identify with any of the following ignition
cylinder symptoms below, there are a few things you can do to get your vehicle
back in proper working order and back on the road.
Your Car Will Not Start
Do not panic if you find that your car will not
start at all. This can indicate several different problems, but it is likely
that the culprit is your ignition cylinder. Your battery, for example, may be
the source of the issue, but you will need to have it checked out. Be sure to
take into consideration any other symptoms or sounds that may be coming from
your car to better help you narrow down and identify the potential source of
the issue.
Your Car Starts, then Stalls
Maybe you are able to get your car started, but
it does not stay on. Or worse, it may even stall and turn off while you are
driving it. Ignition cylinders that are worn down often cause these sorts of
behaviors, because the key does not properly stay in the cylinder. If your car
ever stalls and stops while you are driving it, be sure to take it into a
professional locksmith right away to check and make sure your ignition cylinder
is working properly.
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