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Crenshaw Lock

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
Call (323) 997-8867or tap to call — we answer 24/7

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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

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?
Common causes include a worn or bent key, a worn cylinder, or a steering wheel that is locked under tension. We diagnose which it is. Call (323) 997-8867 and we will come to you in San Marino.
Do I need a new ignition cylinder, or just a new key?
Not always. If the key is worn and the cylinder is still good, a new key may fix it. If the cylinder is worn, we repair or replace it. We check first and tell you before doing the work.
Can you repair an ignition at my home in San Marino?
Yes. We are fully mobile and work in your driveway or garage, or wherever the vehicle sits. There is no storefront, so you never have to bring the car to us.
Are you available at night or on weekends?
Yes, we are available 24/7. Call (323) 997-8867 any time and we will talk through the problem.
Will the steering wheel unlock if the ignition is repaired?
A locked steering wheel is often related to the ignition or the key. Once the cylinder and key are working properly, the steering lock usually releases normally. We test this as part of every job.
Do you make new keys after fixing the ignition?
We can cut keys to match the repaired or replaced cylinder. Some vehicles need electronic programming, and we will explain what your car requires.
How is the price decided?
The price depends on your vehicle, whether the cylinder is repaired or replaced, whether new keys are needed, and the time of the call. We explain the factors and the cost before we begin.
Can you also help with my house locks while you are here?
Yes. We also service residential locks, including rekeying and mortise hardware common in older San Marino homes. Mention it when you call (323) 997-8867.
DS

Reviewed by David Shar — Owner & Lead Technician

Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-12.

Call (323) 997-8867 · Open 24/7