There’s hope
Our recommendation is simple; don’t panic! Just because your ignition system did not start the engine is no reason to get stressed out. The problem may indeed be your ignition cylinder and if it is, we’ll give you some good advice about that. Over the years, we’ve seen a few other situations arise that can give the impression that your ignition system is down when it really isn’t. Check these simple to do items first, and then if you don’t have success, call for help.
Gear check
This simple step is so fast and easy, it’s almost laughable. Check your gear. Your car needs to be in PARK in order to start your car. Being ‘almost’ in park is like being almost pregnant; you are or you aren’t; no two ways about it! Jiggle the gear shift to make sure and if you have to, move the gear out of PARK and then back in. Please, please, please apply your parking brake during any kind of auto adjustment. While this is common sense, it’s surprising how many people skip this step. It may be due to ignorance, laziness or just plain stress but always apply your parking brake when working on your car or making any kind of adjustments. Every year people and pets are injured or killed and property damage occurs when cars roll forward or backward because the simple act of applying the parking brake was skipped.
Next…. check your steering wheel
This step is also simple. Check to see if your steering wheel has locked. Many newer cars will lock up the steering wheel and the ignition if pressure is applied to the steering wheel. This can be done by leaning on it too heavily or by twisting it. All that is needed is a firm twist and not only will the steering wheel be released but the ignition key will be too. What panics many is that while the steering wheel is locked in place, the ignition key will not turn or even come out. In their panic, many calls for auto repair, tow trucks, AAA and other roadside assistance. We know as many call our locksmith shop thinking that they need emergency help.
Is your battery drained?
Another simple and fast check is to see if your car’s battery is drained or not. Apply the parking brake if you haven’t already and then seen if your flashers, windshield wipers, car radio, power windows or headlights work. This one is pretty obvious; if they do, your battery is fine. If not, your battery may be drained and not able to power your engine’s start up. A drained or draining battery can produce many symptoms of ignition cylinder failure so don’t forget to do this important but simple step.
Wrong key
This may sound odd, but once in a while the wrong transponder key is inserted into the ignition and naturally this key won’t turn or start the car. It’s easy to mistake keys when other people at work or at home all have transponder keys, too. Some of our customers have done this by simply grabbing a similar looking key and becoming dismayed when their car would not start. Sometimes, these wrong keys go in and become stuck. Check your keys and make sure that they match your vehicle before you start making phone calls.
Don’t call just anyone for help!
We all know a friend or family member that prides him or herself at something. If that something happens to be auto repair, they might want to lend a hand. Be careful. The responsibility for your vehicle rests solely on you. No matter how well-meaning a person is, they might not be as much as an expert as they think. Sometimes, the situation can be made worse than it really is. If you must call for help and none of the above exercises helped; call a full-service automotive locksmith that is mobile, licensed and experienced. This will save you money over auto repair shops, car dealership service charges, tow fees, and do-it-yourself calamities from well-meaning folks that sometimes haven’t a clue. It’s best to have a locksmith shop telephone number logged in your smart phone for situations like these and other unexpected mishaps like lockouts, lost keys and break-in repairs.
