Even children know that the car’s ignition is all-important. They watch as their parents insert the key in the ignition and turn it; starting the car. We depend on our ignition cylinders for that sudden burst of energy needed to get the engines going. From a small compact car to tour bus, our intended destination is pointless if we don’t have a working ignition system. Here at Peachtree 24 Hour Locksmith we understand the importance of having a safe and working ignition cylinder. Local Peachtree City, GA residents call us on a round the clock basis to ensure that their ignitions work as they should, so that their vehicles can take them to work, soccer practice, vacations, or on errands whenever needed.
Oh, the timing!
Unfortunately, we find out about an ignition cylinder problem at the last minute. Sure, we insert the ignition key and notice that the car is not starting, but what lead up to that point? By then, we are already fed, dressed, buckled in, and ready to go to our destination. Unfortunately, it is at this point where people panic and either stress out, or frantically call an auto repair man, or AAA for relief. The stress of not being able to go to your planned destination can be great. Maybe you were going to work or out to dinner. You might have had a romantic date planned or maybe you had to pick your child up from school. There’s also the stress of knowing that you now have a repair bill for an unknown amount looming ahead. Add to that, the time wasted and the phone calls that need to be made, etc.
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.
