An ignition that has become stiff, that needs the key jiggled, or that has stopped turning altogether is a mechanical problem that gets worse on a predictable curve. It very rarely improves, and it typically fails completely at the least convenient moment.
Typical range: $250–$950 CAD. Ranges are typical for the GTA and depend on the door, the hardware and the time of day. We confirm the price before dispatching.
Why ignitions fail
Wear, mostly. The wafers inside the cylinder and the key both wear together over years, and past a point the key no longer aligns the wafers reliably. The usual progression is a key that needs jiggling, then one that only works at a particular angle, then one that does not work at all.
A worn key accelerates it, and a worn key in a worn cylinder is why a new key sometimes fixes an ignition that seemed to be failing. We check the key first, because if a new key resolves it that is a much smaller job.
Other causes: debris in the cylinder, a broken wafer spring, a failed ignition switch behind the cylinder, or a steering lock that has jammed against the column.
The steering lock trap
A very common call is a key that will not turn, where nothing is actually wrong with the ignition. If the steering wheel is under tension against the steering lock — which happens when the wheels are turned against a kerb, or the wheel is turned as the engine is switched off — the lock pin binds and the key cannot rotate.
The fix is to apply firm pressure to the steering wheel in the direction that relieves the tension while turning the key. It resolves a meaningful proportion of "my key will not turn" calls in under a minute, and it is worth trying before calling anyone.
What we can do on site
- Ignition cylinder repair, including wafer and spring replacement
- Complete cylinder replacement, keyed to your existing key so you keep one key for everything
- Broken key extraction from the ignition
- Ignition switch replacement behind the cylinder
- Steering lock repair and release
- Rekeying a replacement cylinder to match your door locks
Keeping one key
When an ignition cylinder is replaced, it arrives keyed to a new key by default, leaving you with one key for the ignition and another for the doors. That is a daily annoyance and it is avoidable.
We rekey the replacement cylinder to your existing key so you carry one. It takes a little longer at the time and it is worth it. If the door locks are also worn, we can key the whole vehicle to a fresh single key instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
My key will not turn in the ignition. What is wrong?
Try the steering lock first — if the wheel is under tension against the lock pin, the key cannot rotate. Apply firm pressure to the wheel in the direction that relieves the tension while turning the key. That resolves a large share of these calls in under a minute. If it does not, the cylinder is likely worn, has debris in it, or has a broken wafer, and it needs attention.
Can an ignition be repaired or does it need replacing?
Repair is often possible — worn wafers and broken springs can be replaced within the existing cylinder. Whether it is the better choice depends on overall wear; a cylinder that is worn throughout will fail again soon after a partial repair. We assess it and tell you honestly which is the better value, including the case where it is replacement.
How much does ignition replacement cost?
It depends on the vehicle and whether the cylinder alone or the switch behind it is at fault. Most are done in the vehicle without removing the steering column, which keeps the labour reasonable. Some makes require considerably more disassembly. We diagnose before quoting, and we check the key first because sometimes a worn key in a worn cylinder is fixed by a new key at a fraction of the cost.
Will a new ignition mean a different key from my doors?
Only if you let it. A replacement cylinder comes keyed to its own new key by default, but we rekey it to match your existing key so you carry one key for the whole vehicle. Say so when booking and we will plan for it.
Ignition Repair across the GTA
We provide ignition repair & replacement throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Pick your city for local detail, or call and we will tell you straight away whether you are in range.
Related services
Car Key Replacement
Keys cut and programmed on site for virtually every make on the road — mechanical, transponder, remote head, flip and proximity.
Broken Key Extraction
Snapped keys removed from ignitions, door locks and padlocks without damaging the cylinder.
Transponder Keys
Chip keys cut and programmed to the vehicle immobiliser — the step that turns a cut key into one that actually starts the engine.
All Keys Lost
Every key gone and no original to copy — key originated from the vehicle itself, on site, without a tow.