Ignition Repair in Plano, TX

Common Ignition Problems We Fix

The most frequent ignition issues we encounter include: key won't turn in the ignition (often caused by worn wafers or a damaged key), key stuck in the ignition (broken key extraction or wafer realignment), ignition cylinder spins freely without engaging (internal mechanism failure), car won't start despite the key turning (ignition switch or immobilizer fault), steering wheel locked and key won't turn (steering column lock mechanism issue), and intermittent starting problems (worn ignition contacts or loose wiring). Each of these has a specific root cause that our diagnostic process identifies before any repair work begins.

Ignition Cylinder Replacement

When an ignition cylinder is too worn or damaged to repair, we replace it with a new cylinder matched to your existing key. This means you keep using the same key for both the ignition and door locks — no carrying multiple keys. For vehicles where matching isn't practical, we can re-key the new cylinder and provide new keys programmed to your vehicle's immobilizer system. We carry replacement cylinders for most popular makes and models in our mobile units.

Electronic Ignition System Diagnostics

Modern vehicles use electronic ignition systems that communicate with the immobilizer, BCM, and engine control module. When these electronic systems malfunction, the symptoms can mimic mechanical ignition problems. A car that cranks but won't start, for example, may have a perfectly functional ignition cylinder but a failed immobilizer antenna ring or corrupted transponder data. Our dealer-level diagnostic tools distinguish between mechanical and electronic ignition issues, ensuring the correct repair is performed the first time.

Broken Key Extraction

A key breaking off inside the ignition is a common emergency. Attempting to extract a broken key without proper tools can push the fragment deeper and cause additional damage. Our technicians use specialized extraction tools designed specifically for this purpose, carefully removing the broken piece without damaging the cylinder wafers. In many cases, the cylinder can be reused after extraction. If the cylinder is damaged, we replace it on-site.

Ignition-Related Immobilizer Issues

The ignition housing contains the immobilizer antenna ring — a critical component that reads the transponder chip in your key. If this antenna ring fails, your vehicle won't recognize any key, even though the key turns normally in the cylinder. Symptoms include the engine cranking but not starting, the security light flashing on the dashboard, or intermittent no-start conditions. We test and replace antenna rings and reprogram the immobilizer system as needed.

What We Offer

• Ignition cylinder repair and replacement
• Broken key extraction from ignition
• Ignition switch replacement
• Steering column lock repair
• Ignition wafer repair and rekey
• Electronic ignition diagnostics
• Immobilizer antenna ring replacement
• Key-matched cylinder installation
• Transponder reprogramming after ignition service
• All makes and models serviced