Ignition Repair

Q: Is it safe to spray lubricant into a sticking ignition?

We do not recommend spraying products into the ignition. Many sprays can attract dirt and damage internal parts. If your ignition is stuck, contact us so we can clean, repair, or replace parts in a controlled manner.

Trusted Ignition Repair in Bismarck, ND

At Warren’s Locks and Keys, we offer ignition repair services for drivers in Bismarck, Mandan, Lincoln, and surrounding North Dakota towns. We help when the ignition key will not turn, the steering wheel locks, or the car’s engine refuses to start, even with the correct key. Our automotive locksmith team works on a wide range of domestic and foreign vehicles, focusing on clear and direct solutions.

We are a family-operated locksmith business in Bismarck, serving the Bismarck/Mandan community since 1971. We operate from a staffed local store and provide mobile locksmith services that can meet you at your vehicle during business hours. Warren’s Locks and Keys supports our work with ongoing training and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Common Signs You Need Ignition Repair

Our highly trained and experienced technicians can repair and replace ignition locks for most domestic and foreign makes and models.

Ignition problems often start small and grow over time. Many drivers feel that something is “off” about the key long before the car stops starting. You may need ignition repair if you notice:

The ignition feels sticky or won’t turn, or you have to wiggle the key to start the engine
The steering wheel lock engages, and both the wheel and key feel stuck when you try to start the car

If you push harder every day to turn the key, the ignition lock cylinder or key blade may be wearing out. Forcing it can break the key, damage the lock mechanism, or stress the steering column. As car locksmiths, we examine the key and ignition together and explain our findings in plain language.

Ignition Repair, Replacement, and Rekeying

We offer ignition repair, ignition replacement, and ignition rekeying services for a wide range of cars, trucks, and work vans in Bismarck, ND. In some cases, we can clean and restore the existing ignition cylinder, allowing you to continue using your current keys. When parts are too worn or broken, we install new hardware and match it to your keys.

Our ignition work often includes cleaning and adjusting the lock cylinder, replacing worn internal parts, or installing a new ignition lock when the old one is beyond repair. When we install a new ignition, we can rekey it to match your existing car keys or cut and program new keys if that better fits your security needs. We always test the key, the steering wheel lock, and the ignition movement before we complete the job.

Locked Steering Wheel and Ignition That Will Not Turn

A locked steering wheel can feel like a failed ignition, even when the ignition parts still function correctly. This happens when the steering wheel moves after you remove the key, and the steering wheel lock engages. When you attempt to turn it, the wheel appears to be stuck, and the key will not budge.

We show you how the steering wheel lock and ignition lock interact on your vehicle. A gentle pull on the wheel in one direction while you turn the key can release the lock if the parts are still in good condition. If the lock cylinder or key is worn, that step may not work. We then inspect the ignition lock, check the key for wear, and repair or replace parts as needed. We do not recommend spraying products into the ignition, as this can trap dirt and cause further problems.

Worn, Broken, or Lost Ignition Keys

Break your key off in the ignition? We can extract the broken-off piece from the ignition cylinder and create a replacement key for you on-site in our fully-equipped locksmith van.

A worn-out key is one of the most common ignition problems. Over years of use, the cuts on the key change and the pins in the lock no longer line up. You may feel the key slip or catch before it fails. If you continue to force it, the key can break inside the ignition lock.

We handle both the key and the ignition system. We can remove broken key pieces, inspect the lock cylinder, and create replacement keys from the original key code when possible. We also offer duplication and car key programming when transponder keys or key fobs are involved. If your vehicle has one key for the doors and another for the ignition, we can often rekey locks so a single key works everywhere.

Ignition Help for Work Trucks and Local Businesses

Many drivers in Bismarck, Mandan, and Lincoln use trucks and vans for work. A locked steering wheel, a damaged ignition key, or a failed lock cylinder can stop a crew, delay service calls, or hold up deliveries. We support local businesses by repairing and rekeying ignitions on many light commercial vehicles and work trucks.

We specialize in lock, key, and ignition hardware. If we notice signs that a dead battery, alternator issue, or starter motor problem may also be contributing to the trouble, we will explain this and suggest auto electrical or mechanical service. This helps you decide whether the next step should be a locksmith visit or a trip to a mechanic or service center.

What We Need Before We Work on Your Ignition

You can help us serve you more efficiently by having a few details ready when you contact us:

Vehicle year, make, model, and current location, plus a short description of what happens when you turn the key
How many keys do you have, and whether any keys broke or got stuck in the ignition or steering column

We may also ask if the car battery seems healthy or if you have recently needed a jump start. Weak power can make some ignition issues harder to diagnose. We use this information to plan the service, bring the right tools, and explain what you can expect during the visit.

Get Expert Ignition Repair in Bismarck from Warren’s Locks and Keys

If your ignition key will not turn, the steering wheel is locked, or a key broke in the ignition, contact us for professional help. We assist drivers across the Bismarck area at our local store and through mobile automotive locksmith service. We handle ignition repair, replacement, and rekeying, and provide matching keys so your vehicle can return to regular use. Contact Warren’s Locks and Keys today to discuss your ignition repair needs.

Ignition Repair FAQ

How much does ignition repair cost?

The cost varies depending on your vehicle, whether we can repair the existing ignition lock, and whether new keys or programming are required. Simple repairs cost less than full ignition replacement and rekeying. Contact us with your vehicle’s year, make, and model to receive an estimate.

What should I do if my ignition key will not turn?

Make sure the car is in park and the steering wheel is not loaded hard against the lock. Do not force the key. If it still will not turn, contact us so we can inspect the key and ignition lock and prevent further damage.

Can a locksmith fix or replace an ignition switch?

Yes. We repair and replace many ignition locks and cylinders. We can also rekey the new ignition to match your existing keys or cut and program new keys if needed.

How can I tell if the problem is the ignition or the battery?

If the key will not turn or feels rough, the ignition lock may be at fault. If the key turns but you hear clicking or see dim lights on the dashboard, the car battery, starter motor, or alternator may be involved. We can look at the lock and key and tell you what we see.

Can you make a car key from the ignition?

In many cases, yes. If the ignition lock is original and in fair condition, we can often create a key from the lock cylinder, then cut and, if needed, program that key to the vehicle.

What causes an ignition key to get stuck or break?

Common causes include a worn key, worn internal parts in the lock, dirt in the cylinder, or stress from a locked steering wheel. Over time, these issues can cause the key to bind or snap. We can remove broken pieces, repair damage, and cut new keys.

Do you rekey ignitions to match existing car keys?

Yes. If you have one key for the doors and a different key for the ignition, we can often rekey so one key works for both. This is common after an ignition replacement or on used vehicles with mismatched keys.

Can you help with ignition problems on work trucks and vans?

Yes. We work on a variety of work trucks, vans, and other light commercial vehicles used in and around Bismarck, ND. We repair and rekey ignitions and provide new keys so your cars can return to service.

Is it safe to spray lubricant into a sticking ignition?

e do not recommend spraying products into the ignition. Many sprays can attract dirt and damage internal parts. If your ignition is stuck, contact us so we can clean, repair, or replace parts in a controlled manner.

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