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The Dealership vs. Mobile Locksmith: Who Should Replace Your Ignition Cylinder?
Why You May Need a Locksmith To Replace Your Ignition Cylinder
Today we are going to talk about the ignition lock cylinder, which is the part next to the wheel of your car that you insert your key to turn it on, unless you have a remote keyless system. Starting your vehicle is the first step to start your windshield wipers, lights, radio, and other parts of it.
Depending on your automobile, the cylinder comes separated from the ignition switch, but in other ones they come together as a single unit. If you turn your key inside the ignition chamber, and your engine does not start, you are already having the symptom of a bad switch and you will need a Arizona vehicle ignition repair or replacement.
In Arizona, if you are around Phoenix area, you can contact us, US Key Service, to send you our mobile auto locksmith in Apache Junction wherever you are and fix your issue in the fastest way possible at the most affordable price. Do not hesitate to contact us and ask us anything about our services.
What Is An Ignition Lock Cylinder?
An ignition lock cylinder is the small, cylindrical component next to the wheel of your car, and it’s where you insert your key to start the engine. It’s a mechanical part that works with the ignition switch to send the electrical signal to start your car. When you turn the key, the cylinder rotates, engaging the ignition switch and powering the starter motor, fuel system, and electrical accessories.
Starting your vehicle is the first step to start your windshield wipers, lights, radio, and other parts of it. Depending on your automobile, the cylinder comes separated from the ignition switch, but in other ones they come together as a single unit.
Common Symptoms Of a Bad Ignition Switch
If you turn your key inside the ignition chamber, and your engine doesn’t start, you are already having the symptom of a bad switch and you will probably need an Arizona vehicle ignition repair or replacement.
Here’s a list of some of the most common symptoms of bad ignition switch:
- Your car won’t start or start intermittently
- Your car has flickering dashboard lights
- Stalling while driving
- Key won’t turn or feels stuck
- Accessories like the radio, air conditioning, or power windows may stop working or act unpredictably
- You hear a clicking or grinding sound when turning the key
How To Know If It’s The Switch Or The Cylinder
It might not be easy at first to differentiate between switch or cylinder problems, but it should be easier once you consider the following:
Ignition lock cylinder issues are usually mechanical problems that include a key that won’t turn, sticks, or feels loose. You may also hear grinding or notice the key getting stuck in the ignition. Problems here are usually solved by repairing or replacing the cylinder.
As for ignition switch issues, these are electrical problems, which is why you may see different symptoms like your car failing to start, stalls while driving, or dashboard lights flickering. Accessories like the radio, AC, or windows may also behave erratically. If your key turns fine but the engine doesn’t respond consistently, the switch is likely at fault.
In essence: mechanical trouble = cylinder, electrical trouble = switch. We still recommend contacting a professional locksmith as soon as possible to get a quick and precise diagnosis that can restore your vehicle’s operation.
Ignition Repair Costs: Dealership vs. Mobile Locksmith
There are a lot of factors that will determine the cost of a new ignition switch, in the case where you need to buy one. They can cost from $14 to $550 dollars with an average from $50 to $250 dollars depending on the brand and model of the car and also if it is a single unit or a separated component.
Installing the switch takes an approximate time of 1 hour to 1 hour and a half. Depending on local rate, and if the work is done with an independent or a brand store, even a dealership (which is the most expensive), this can cost from $100 to $600 dollars and less if you use aftermarket parts.
Also, of the ignition is affected by a short out, the wires may be burned or melted, so those will need replacement too, making the costs to be a bit higher.
For the ignition lock cylinder (where the key is inserted), the part itself costs from $50 up to 250$ or even $700 dollars depending on the model of your vehicle. You can find cheaper prices if you are willing to use aftermarket parts (that are made by other than the car manufacturer).
Installing this can take as much time as an ignition switch, and depending on who you hire to help you with this, everything can cost up to $500 dollars or more, including parts and labor. Sometimes, there can be complex installations where the air bags need to be disabled, or that the anti-theft devices have to be removed.
Usually, the antitheft system of a car has to be reprogrammed to work with a new car key, and can take from four to six hours, making the costs get higher and up to $900 dollars.
Here’s a table you can check for reference:
| Service | Dealership Cost (Approx.) | Locksmith Cost (Approx.) |
| Ignition Switch Replacement | $300 – $600 | $150 – $350 |
| Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement | $200 – $500 | $120 – $300 |
| Key Replacement / Programming | $150 – $400 | $70 – $200 |
| Emergency On-Site Service | $200 – $400 | $100 – $250 |
Ending up in a situation like this can make car owners get mad because they need to replace their key in the fastest way possible and that is where we come in. Serving in all of the Phoenix Area, Us Key Service have been dedicated to the business for so many years, we understand the inconvenience of not being able to drive to your destination. As soon as you contact us, we will get wherever you are with our mobile auto locksmith in Apache Junction and replace or duplicate your key with the most affordable price on the market, so contact us anytime you find yourself in this kind of peril. Even if you forget your keys inside your car, we can open the door without damaging it at all.
Why Choose a Mobile Locksmith In Phoenix?
When ignition problems strike, getting to a shop isn’t always convenient—or even possible. A mobile locksmith in Phoenix becomes an excellent option because it comes directly to your location, whether you’re at home, work, or stranded on the road.
People love getting a locksmith because they are easier to reach and will help you faster, as they do not require you to fill out all the forms that a dealership does. Also, car brand dealerships can only work with their own brand, while auto locksmiths will have the ability to duplicate or replace car keys from most of the brands and models out there.
Car dealerships also charge more money for this service, while locksmiths don’t. The convenience and ease of contacting a mobile auto locksmith like us, Us Key Service, makes customers prefer us for our speed in assisting them as quickly as possible.
Whenever you have any doubts about our service, don’t hesitate to give us a call, and we guarantee to leave you satisfied. For car ignition switch services, auto locksmiths offer a more cost-effective solution compared to car dealerships. Our mobile auto locksmith service at US Key Service prioritizes customer convenience and rapid assistance. We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction and encourage you to contact us with any questions about our services.
Advantages Of aftermarket vs OEM parts
When your ignition needs repair, you may face a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. Both options have benefits depending on your priorities.
Aftermarket Parts
- Lower cost
- Wider availability
- Many upgrades and a lot of variety.
OEM Parts
- Guaranteed Fit
- Trusted quality
- Warranty Coverage
If you want to prioritize perfect fit, longevity, and brand assurance, OEM parts are worth the extra investment.
Step-By-Step: What Happens When You Call a Locksmith
Here’s what you can expect after calling a professional locksmith:
- Receive a Quote: You get a fast estimate for parts, labor, and on-site service.
- Technician Dispatched: A mobile locksmith arrives with tools and replacement parts.
- Diagnosis: The ignition switch, lock cylinder, or key is inspected.
- Repair or Replacement: The locksmith fixes or replaces the faulty component on-site.
- Testing: The ignition and electrical systems are tested to ensure everything works.
- Payment & Warranty: Pay for the service and receive documentation, often with a warranty.
- Maintenance Tips: Get advice to prevent future ignition problems.
People love getting a locksmith because they are easier to reach and will help you faster as they do not require to fill all the forms that a dealership needs. Also, car brand dealership can only work with only their own brand, while auto locksmiths will have the ability to duplicate or replace car keys from most of the brands and models out there. Car dealerships also charge more money for this service while locksmith do not, so it is more cost effective to contact an auto locksmith.
US Key Service: Fast, Affordable Ignition Repairs
The convenience and ease of contacting a professional locksmith like us, US Key Service, makes customers prefer us for our speed in assisting them as quickly as possible. Whenever you have any doubts about our service, don’t hesitate to contact us and we guarantee to leave you satisfied.
