Ignition Repair in San Marino · 24/7 mobile
Ignition Repair in San Marino, California
Crenshaw Lock Company provides mobile ignition repair in San Marino, California, around the clock. We repair or replace worn ignition cylinders and fix keys that won't turn, right where your vehicle is parked. Call us 24/7 at (323) 997-8867 and describe what your key or ignition is doing.
- Mobile to your San Marino location
- Available 24/7
- Price quoted before we start

An ignition that sticks, a key that refuses to turn, or a steering wheel that stays locked can stop your day before it starts. In San Marino, that usually happens in a driveway behind a gated estate, in a lot near the Huntington Library, or along Huntington Drive. Moving the car is rarely a good idea in those situations, which is why we come to you.
Crenshaw Lock Company has been serving Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County since 1987, and we are fully mobile. There is no shop to tow your car to and no storefront to visit. David Shar and our technicians bring the tools to your vehicle, whether the problem is a worn cylinder, a damaged key, or an ignition that no longer lets the key go in smoothly.
Many ignition problems look alike from the driver's seat. A worn key, a tired wafer set inside the cylinder, a locked steering column, or a failing switch behind the cylinder can all feel the same. We diagnose first, explain what we find in plain language, and only then recommend a repair or a replacement. Some cases need only a new key cut, and some need a new cylinder. We will tell you which is which.
How it works in San Marino
- 1
You call, we listen
Call (323) 997-8867 at any hour. Tell us the make, model and year, and what the ignition is doing: key won't go in, won't turn, turns but won't start, or sticks in place. Those details help us plan the visit and bring the right parts.
- 2
We come to your vehicle
Our technician drives to your San Marino home, workplace, or wherever the car is parked. We work on site, so you do not have to arrange a tow or leave the car on a street.
- 3
Diagnosis before any repair
We check the key for wear or bending, test the cylinder, and see whether the steering lock is binding. Sometimes the key is the problem rather than the ignition. We show you what we found before proceeding.
- 4
Repair or replacement of the cylinder
If the cylinder is worn or damaged, we repair it where possible or replace it and fit it to work with your key. We take care around the steering column and dashboard trim to avoid unnecessary damage.
- 5
New keys where needed
If your key is worn, we can cut a new one to match the repaired or replaced cylinder. Depending on the vehicle, a key that needs electronic programming may require extra steps, and we will tell you so up front.
- 6
Test and hand-off
We test the ignition repeatedly: inserting, turning, starting, and removing the key. You get the working keys and a plain explanation of what was done and what to watch for.
Need ignition repair in San Marino?
24/7 Mobile Locksmith across Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County. We answer 24/7.
What affects the price
- The vehicle's make, model and year, since some ignition assemblies are simple and others are more involved.
- Whether the cylinder can be repaired or has to be fully replaced.
- Whether you need new keys cut, and whether those keys need electronic programming or transponder work.
- The condition of the steering column lock and ignition switch behind the cylinder.
- The time of day or night of the call, since we are available 24/7.
- The location and access to the vehicle, such as a driveway, a garage, or a tight spot.
Why San Marino chooses us
- Fully mobile since 1987. We come to the vehicle rather than asking you to bring it anywhere.
- Diagnosis first. We check whether a worn key is the real cause before recommending a cylinder replacement.
- Available 24/7, so a stuck ignition at night or on a weekend is not left waiting.
- Owner-led. David Shar leads the business, and the standard is to explain things plainly and not to upsell.
- Comfortable with higher-value vehicles and careful with trim, columns and finishes, which matters in a city with many well-kept cars.
- One company for the whole picture: ignition, car keys, and the home or gate locks at the same address.
Ignition Repair across San Marino
San Marino is a quiet, almost entirely residential city, and most ignition calls here start in a private driveway or garage. The large period-revival estates near the Huntington Library district and in the Lacy Park neighborhood often have long drives and gated entrances, and a car that won't start can block the way. Working on site avoids the awkwardness of moving a vehicle with a damaged ignition.
We also see calls near the Mission District along Huntington Drive, where residents and visitors park for errands, and near Crowell Public Library or Lacy Park, where a car may sit for a while before the key suddenly stops turning. We travel the main routes such as Huntington Dr, Sierra Madre Blvd, San Gabriel Blvd, Del Mar Ave and Los Robles Ave throughout 91108.
Many San Marino homeowners also care about the locks on their houses, including original mortise hardware and discreet high-security systems. If your ignition visit reveals that you need car keys duplicated, or you want your house and garden gates looked at while we are there, just ask. The vehicle comes first, though, and we focus on getting it running.
- Huntington Library district
- Lacy Park neighborhood
- Mission District (Huntington Drive)
Locked out or need a locksmith now?
24/7 Mobile Locksmith across Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County. We answer 24/7.
Other San Marino locksmith services
Access ControlInstall keypad, card and fob access-control systems for business entrances.
Automotive LocksmithMobile auto locksmith for cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs and fleets.
Broken Key ExtractionKey snapped in a lock or ignition? We extract the piece and cut a replacement.
Business LockoutLocked out of a store, office or commercial building? Rapid commercial entry.
Car Key ReplacementReplace lost or broken car keys — cut and programmed on site, even with no original.
Car LockoutKeys locked in the car or trunk? Fast, damage-free vehicle unlocking.
Commercial Door HardwareRepair and replace storefront, aluminum-frame and mortise door hardware.
Commercial LocksmithBusiness locksmith for offices, stores, warehouses and industrial sites.
Deadbolt InstallationAdd or replace single- and double-cylinder deadbolts for stronger doors.
Door Closer RepairRepair, adjust and replace hydraulic door closers on commercial doors.
Emergency Locksmith24/7 emergency dispatch for lockouts and urgent lock failures across Greater LA.
Gate Lock RepairRepair and install gate locks and latches, including keypad and smart gate locks.
High Security LocksInstall pick-, bump- and drill-resistant high-security locks and keys.
House LockoutLocked out of a house, apartment or condo? Damage-free entry on location.
Key DuplicationCut and copy house, office, mailbox and restricted keys on location.
Key Fob ReplacementReplace and program remote key fobs and smart/proximity keys.
Lock InstallationInstall new locks on new doors or where none existed before.
Lock RekeyingRekey existing locks so old keys stop working — ideal after a move or sale.
Lock RepairFix sticking, jammed, loose or misaligned locks, deadbolts and latches.
Lock ReplacementSwap worn, damaged or outdated locks for new hardware keyed to your needs.
Mailbox Lock ReplacementReplace and rekey residential, cluster and community mailbox locks.
Master Key SystemDesign and install master-key and restricted-key systems with key control.
Panic Bar InstallationInstall and repair panic bars, exit devices and emergency-exit hardware.
Residential LocksmithFull home locksmith service — rekeys, replacements, repairs and upgrades.
Safe LocksmithOpen, repair and service home and commercial safes; change combinations.
Smart Lock InstallationInstall, set up and troubleshoot smart, keyless and keypad locks.
Transponder Key ProgrammingProgram chip/transponder keys to your vehicle's immobilizer.
See all of our San Marino services, or our citywide ignition repair page.
Ignition Repair in San Marino — FAQs
Why won't my key turn in the ignition?
Do I need a new ignition cylinder, or just a new key?
Can you repair an ignition at my home in San Marino?
Are you available at night or on weekends?
Will the steering wheel unlock if the ignition is repaired?
Do you make new keys after fixing the ignition?
How is the price decided?
Can you also help with my house locks while you are here?
Reviewed by David Shar — Owner & Lead Technician
Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County since 1987.
Last updated 2026-10-12.