Ignition Repair and Replacement Cost

By Anthony Limpert, Supercanic, Riverside County, California

Author Source EEAT Authors · Anthony's Author Page

Typical Prices

Fixr lists 60 to 150 dollars to rekey a car ignition. That covers the common job where the cylinder is fine but the key or pins are worn.

RepairPal puts a full ignition lock cylinder replacement at 293 to 378 dollars on average, with 98 to 144 for labor and 195 to 235 for parts.

The model matters a lot. RepairPal lists 239 to 361 dollars for a Ford F-150, 361 to 462 for a Toyota Camry and 661 to 856 for a Nissan Altima.

Add the service call if a mobile locksmith comes to you. If the ignition switch behind the cylinder has failed too, or the car needs a new chip key, the bill goes up.

Repair, Rekey or Replace

Repair or rekey when the key turns badly or sticks but the cylinder is not broken. A locksmith can often take the cylinder apart, replace worn parts and fit it back.

Replace the cylinder when it is broken, spins freely, or was damaged in a break in. A new cylinder can often be keyed to your old key, so you keep one key for the doors and the ignition.

If the key turns fine but the car will not stay running, the problem is usually the chip in the key. See transponder key programming cost.

Try These First

Try your spare key. If the spare works, the problem is a worn key, and a new key cut to code is far cheaper than a new cylinder.

Turn the steering wheel gently left and right while you turn the key. A locked steering column is a common reason a key will not turn.

Make sure the car is in park, or in neutral on some manual cars. Many cars will not release the key or start otherwise.

If a key broke in the ignition, do not try to start the car with the broken piece. See broken key in a lock.

Locksmith, Mechanic or Dealer

An automotive locksmith can repair or rekey many ignitions at the car, so there is no tow. They can also cut and program a new key in the same visit.

A repair shop or dealer is a good choice when the switch or wiring behind the cylinder has failed, or when the car is already in for other work.

Check for recalls first. Some cars have had ignition recalls, and a recall repair is free at the dealer. You can look up your car by its VIN on the NHTSA recall site.

What to Ask on the Phone

Give the year, make and model, and say what happens. Does the key not go in, not turn, turn but nothing happens, or start then die.

Ask if the price covers parts, labor, the call out and keying the new cylinder to your key. Ask if a new key is needed and what it costs.

Have ID and proof the car is yours ready. A good locksmith will ask.

Where These Numbers Come From

Sources. These ranges come from public price pages we read on RepairPal and Fixr, checked against our car key replacement cost guide and locksmith cost guide.