Ignition Repair and Replacement in Silver Spring, MD

Key won’t turn, stuck or spinning? We fix the ignition where your car is parked.

Mon–Sat 8am–8pm

Same-day
mobile service

Ignition trouble tends to creep up on you. The key starts to catch, then needs a wiggle, then one morning it won’t turn at all or won’t come back out. Most of the time the problem is the ignition lock cylinder, the part your key slides into, and that’s locksmith work. Master Locksmith repairs and replaces ignition cylinders for drivers in Silver Spring, Wheaton, Takoma Park and beyond, and whenever the car allows it, we key the new cylinder to your existing key, so you don’t end up with one key for the ignition and another for the doors.

If the problem turns out to be the ignition switch, the electrical part behind the cylinder, we’ll tell you plainly and point you to a mechanic if it’s not something we handle. Ignition calls come to us from all over Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, the District, Baltimore and Northern Virginia, and we take them Monday through Saturday, 8am to 8pm, at (301) 888-5152.

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Why Call a Locksmith for Ignition Trouble

A dealer will usually want the car towed in first. We come to the car instead, and that’s only the start of the difference.

No Tow Required

A car that won't start because the key won't turn usually can't be driven to a shop. We do the work in your driveway, office lot or garage.

One Key for Everything

We match the new ignition to the key you already use for the doors and trunk whenever the car allows it.

Repair When It Makes Sense

Worn parts inside the cylinder, or a key worn smooth, can often be fixed by rebuilding the cylinder or cutting a fresh key by code, which costs less than a full replacement.

Stuck and Broken Keys Removed

A key that snapped in the ignition or refuses to come out is a common call. We remove it and save the cylinder when we can.

Clear Answers About Your Car

Some ignitions are tied to the immobilizer and need a key programmed after the work. We'll tell you before we start exactly what your car needs.

We Work Around Your Schedule

Popular Services

Locked Out Right Now? Give Us a Call

Ignition Work for Most Major Vehicle Brands

Signs Your Ignition Needs Attention

If you notice any of these, have it looked at before it leaves you stranded.

Key Won't Turn

First, turn the steering wheel gently while you turn the key, since a locked steering column can hold the ignition. If that doesn't free it, the cylinder likely needs repair.

Key Stuck in the Ignition

Make sure the car is fully in Park. If the key still won't come out, worn parts in the cylinder or a problem with the shift interlock are the usual causes.

Key Turns but Car Won't Start

If the dash lights up but the engine won't start, the key's chip may not be reading. If nothing lights up at all, check the battery first. If the battery is fine, the switch may be at fault. We test the key and tell you where the problem is.

Key Spins Freely

A key that turns with no resistance usually means the cylinder has broken inside. It needs replacing, and we can do that on site.

Damaged in a Theft Attempt

A punched or pried ignition needs a new cylinder and often new keys. We replace it and can rekey the doors to match.

Push button start cars don’t have an ignition cylinder in the same way. If your smart key isn’t being detected, it’s usually a key or programming issue, which our car key programming page covers.

Talk to a Locksmith

Ignition giving you trouble? Call (301) 888-5152 with the make, model and year and we’ll tell you what it should take to fix.

How Ignition Repair Works

1. Call or Send a Request

Call (301) 888-5152 and describe what the key is doing, along with the make, model and year of the car. You can also send the details through the form.

2. Get a Clear Quote

We quote the repair or replacement before we arrive, and tell you if your car will also need a key programmed.

3. A Technician Heads Your Way

A technician comes to wherever the car is parked with ignition tools, cylinders and key cutting equipment.

4. The Work Itself

We remove the old cylinder, rebuild or replace it, key it to your existing key where possible and put it back in.

5. Testing Before We Finish

We turn the ignition through every position, make sure the key comes out cleanly and confirm the car starts.

6. Before We Leave

We hand back your keys and explain what failed, so you know what to watch for from here on.

Ignition Questions

Is it the ignition or the key?

Try your spare key. If the spare works smoothly, your main key is worn, and a new key cut by code may be all you need. If both keys struggle, the ignition cylinder is the likely cause.

Can you replace an ignition without the original key?

Yes. After checking your ID, we can install a new cylinder, make keys to match it and program them if your car needs it.

Should I call a locksmith or a mechanic?

Locksmiths handle the lock cylinder and the keys. The electrical ignition switch and the starter are mechanic work. We’ll tell you which one you’re dealing with.

Areas We Cover From Silver Spring

We’re based in Silver Spring and cover Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Choose your area for local details:

Montgomery County · Prince George’s County · Washington, DC · Howard County · Anne Arundel County · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Frederick County · Carroll County · Harford County · Charles County · Northern Virginia