Key turns only after a jiggle
One wiggle became five. That usually means wear in the key or the cylinder, and it's fixable.
Worn key or cylinderIgnition Repair in Greater Atlanta
24/7 dispatch from Dunwoody with same-day response to your driveway or parking lot.
Ignition problems we handle
Every call is mobile. We dispatch from Dunwoody to home driveways, office lots, and store parking lots, any hour of the day.
Key won't turn at all
We check the key, rule out a steering column lock that is holding the key, then test the cylinder with a good key.
Ignition cylinder repairKey stuck in the ignition
We work the key free without forcing the lock, then find the cause so it doesn't happen again.
Stuck keysKey turns but the dash stays dark
The lock may be fine. We separate a lock problem from an ignition switch problem and tell you what we found.
Lock versus switchHow an ignition repair call works
Call us
Call (678) 338-8566 any time. Tell us your car's make, model, and year, where it's parked, and what the key is doing.
We test the key and the cylinder
We check the key and any spare, release the steering lock, and test the cylinder with a good key. You hear what's worn before any repair starts.
We fix the worn part
A fresh key cut to fit your lock, or the cylinder repaired on site. Then we test every key position and every key you carry for that car.
More vehicle lock services
Ignition repair is one of our vehicle services. We can also help with:
Ignition repair service areas
- Dunwoody
- Greater Atlanta
- Alpharetta
- Roswell
- Decatur
- Peachtree City
- Surrounding communities
Ignition repair FAQ
Is it cheaper to fix a worn key or the ignition cylinder?
A worn key is usually the smaller fix. Cutting a fresh key takes less work than repairing the lock. We test the key and the ignition lock cylinder before any work starts. The cylinder is the metal lock your key goes into. You'll know which job you're paying for first. Call 678-338-8566 with your car's make, model, and year for pricing. can someone come fix my ignition today, my car is parked at work Yes. We run 24/7 dispatch from Dunwoody with same-day response. Crews come to home driveways, office lots, and store parking lots across Greater Atlanta. On site, we check the key, the spare, and the steering column lock first. That lock is a pin that holds your steering wheel in place. Then we test the cylinder and fix the worn part.
Why can't I just copy my old key at the hardware store?
Copying a worn key copies the wear too. The cuts on a key round off over time. That's called key blade wear. The copy keeps every rounded edge, so it still sticks in the lock. We use key code cutting when the code is available. That means cutting a new key from your car's original code, not from the worn key.
My key turns all the way but the car won't start. Is the ignition broken?
Your lock may be fine. A key that turns while the dash stays dark often points to the ignition switch. The switch is the electrical part behind the cylinder. It sends power when the key turns, and it's separate from the lock. We test the cylinder with a good key to tell the two apart. You'll hear where the trouble sits before any work begins. key stuck in ignition wont come out what do i do Stop pulling, and gently turn the steering wheel side to side. The steering column lock can pin the key until the wheel moves a little. On an automatic, make sure the shifter is fully in Park. Still stuck? Call 678-338-8566 any hour. We work the key free without forcing the lock. Then we find out why it stuck.
Do Georgia heat and pollen really wear out an ignition?
Heat and grit can add to wear that's already there. Spring pine pollen in Atlanta is fine grit that can work into a keyway. Summer heat can make a worn cylinder feel even stiffer. Inside the lock, small flat pieces called wafer tumblers line up with your key's cuts. Grit and daily turns wear them down. One easy habit helps: lighten your keychain. A heavy ring tugs on the cylinder every drive.