Key Stuck, Won’t Turn, or Spinning Freely?
An ignition cylinder takes thousands of turns a year, and the wafers inside wear down along with your key. Sooner or later the key sticks, refuses to turn, turns without starting the car, or will not come back out. Prime Locksmith Services fixes ignition problems where your vehicle sits, so in many cases you skip the tow truck and the repair shop queue.
We start by finding the real cause. Sometimes the cylinder is fine and the key is worn, sometimes the steering wheel lock is simply bound up, and sometimes the cylinder needs rebuilding or replacing. We explain what we find and the price before we fix anything.
For ignition repair in St. Louis or any job for an automotive key locksmith in St. Louis, call (314) 745-4590.
We Do Car Key Replacement for All Major Brands
How We Fix Your Ignition
Diagnose first, then repair, all at your car.
Describe the symptom
Stuck, won’t turn, turns but no start, or key won’t come out. The symptom points us toward the cause.
On-site diagnosis
We check the key, the cylinder and the steering lock to find out which part has actually failed.
Clear price
We explain the fix and quote it before any work begins.
Repair or replace
We rebuild or replace the cylinder, and cut a new key to match when the old one is worn.
Test and sync
We confirm the key turns smoothly and the car starts, and re-sync the transponder chip if needed.
Don’t force a stuck key.
Forcing or using pliers on a key that won’t turn is the most common way a simple fix becomes a broken key in the ignition. Try gently turning the steering wheel side to side while turning the key, which frees a bound steering lock. If that doesn’t work, stop and call us.
Ignition Repair Prices
Prime Locksmith Services’ own price ranges from our pricing page. The wide range on ignition repair reflects the difference between a simple fix on an older car and a full replacement on a newer one.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Ignition repair or replacement | $300 to $2,000 |
| Transponder key | $150 to $600 |
| Key programming only | $120 to $500 |
| Push-to-start key or smart fob | $250 to $850 |
| Broken key extraction | $100 to $400 |
What moves the price: the vehicle, whether the cylinder can be rebuilt or must be replaced, and whether a new key and chip are needed. We confirm your price before we start.
Ignition Problems We Fix
Key won’t turn
Usually worn wafers in the cylinder, a worn key, or a steering wheel lock under tension.
Key turns but no start
Often a transponder chip the car no longer reads. We test the chip and reprogram or replace the key.
Key won’t come out
The cylinder or the shifter interlock is holding it. We find which and free it.
Broken key in the ignition
We extract the broken piece and cut a new key. See broken key extraction.
Cylinder spins freely
A cylinder that turns with no resistance has failed inside or been tampered with, and needs replacing.
Damage after a theft attempt
A forced or drilled ignition gets a new cylinder and keys matched to it.
Signs Your Ignition Is Wearing Out
Catch these early and the repair is usually simpler and cheaper.
- You have to jiggle the key to get it to turn
- The key sticks going in or coming out
- The car sometimes won’t start on the first turn
- Dash lights flicker when you touch the key
Make Your Ignition Last
Small habits take a lot of strain off the cylinder.
- Keep a heavy key ring off your car key
- Replace a worn key before it damages the cylinder
- Never force a key that won’t turn
- Get a fresh spare key cut from code
Quick Response Times
Our team of skilled locksmiths are standing by to assist you with lockout, or rekey requirements.
Professional Service
Our highly trained technicians are well-known for our superb emergency locksmith services.
Top Quality Guarantee
Your property will be fitted with the highest quality locks. Each one comes with a satisfactory guarantee.
Ignition Giving You Trouble?
Call (314) 745-4590 and describe the symptom for an upfront quote.
About Prime Locksmith Services
We’re a tool for your home or business protection
- Professional
- Certified
- Commitments
- Top Quality
- Expertise
- Support
Our Dedication to You
Prime Locksmith Services St. Louis
Residential
Commercial
Automotive
Why Choose Prime Locksmith Services
We Get The Job Done Right!
Use Top Quality Products
Free Consultations
Certified Technicians
Upfront Pricing
Cost Effective Service
Work Guarantee
We Are an Authorized Locksmith With:
St. Louis Locksmith Services
Residential Locksmith
We bring the same commitment to quality that we do to all of our other services to our residential lock service.
Commercial Locksmith
Protect your investment with our help, your source for commercial locksmith and security services!
Smart Lockouts
Your smart locks aren't always "Smart". Let our experts fix any smart lock issues you may have in your home or business.
Safe Locks
Safes are the pinnacle of business security, this is why we offer comprehensive safe services to our client!
Auto Lockouts
Auto Locksmith provides lockout services, car key replacements, transponder key programming and more!
Emergency Locksmith
Professional locksmith technicians on call and ready to assist you with all your lock and key needs!
Key Duplication
We offer key duplication for all types of keys ranging from residential, commercial and automotive.
Emergency Lockouts
Emergencies happen, and our team is here to help you resolve them with our emergency locksmith services.
You Got Questions, We Got Answers...
Frequently Asked Questions.
