Ignition Repair · 24/7 mobile
Mobile Ignition Repair in Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County
Crenshaw Lock Company provides mobile ignition repair and ignition cylinder replacement across Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County, 24/7. If your key won't turn, sticks, or won't come out, we come to you. Call (323) 997-8867 to talk with us.
- Mobile — we come to your location
- Available 24/7
- Upfront price quoted before we start

A key that won't turn in the ignition is one of the most stressful car problems because it usually happens when you need to leave: at work, at a store, or in your own driveway. The cause can be a worn ignition cylinder, a damaged or worn key, debris or wear inside the cylinder, a stuck steering wheel lock, or a problem on the electrical side of the switch. Telling these apart matters, because the right fix depends on which one you have.
Crenshaw Lock Company is fully mobile. We have no storefront for you to tow your car to. We bring our tools to your vehicle, whether it is parked at home, at an office, or in a parking structure, and we inspect the ignition, the key, and the steering lock before recommending anything. Sometimes the problem is a worn key and a new cut solves it. Other times the cylinder needs to be repaired or replaced.
We have served Los Angeles and Ventura County since 1987, and owner and lead technician David Shar built the business on explaining the problem plainly and not recommending more than the car needs. Call (323) 997-8867 any time, day or night, and we will talk through what is happening with your ignition.
How our ignition repair service works
- 1
Tell us what the ignition is doing
When you call, describe the symptoms: the key won't go in, goes in but won't turn, turns with force, sticks in place, or won't come out. Also share the make, model, and year. These details help us anticipate whether this is a key, cylinder, or steering lock issue.
- 2
We come to your vehicle
We drive to wherever the car is parked and work on site. There is nothing to tow and no shop visit, which is especially useful if the car can't be moved or started.
- 3
Diagnose key, lock, and steering column
We check the key for wear or bending, test whether the steering wheel is binding against the lock, and examine the ignition cylinder. Ruling out the simple causes first can save you from replacing parts you don't need.
- 4
Repair or replace the cylinder
If the cylinder is worn or damaged, we repair it where possible or replace it. A new cylinder can be set up to work with a key that fits your vehicle, so you are not stuck with a damaged one.
- 5
Cut or program keys as needed
If a worn key was the issue, or a new cylinder requires a matching key, we can cut keys on site. Vehicles with transponder chips may need additional programming, which we discuss with you up front.
- 6
Test everything before we leave
We confirm the key turns smoothly, the car starts, and the key removes properly. You see it working before we finish.
What affects the price
- Whether the problem is a worn key, a repairable cylinder, or a cylinder that must be fully replaced.
- Your vehicle's make, model, and year, since some ignition assemblies are more involved and parts availability varies.
- Whether transponder or smart-key programming is required to get the car to start after the repair.
- How many keys need to be cut or programmed, including spares.
- The time of day and your location within our service area, since we operate around the clock and travel to you.
- Any related damage, such as a broken key fragment, a damaged steering column lock, or prior attempts to force the ignition.
Why choose us
- Fully mobile service: we repair the ignition where your car is parked, with no towing to a shop.
- Available 24/7, so a stuck ignition at night or on a weekend is not left waiting.
- In business since 1987, with owner and lead technician David Shar standing behind the work.
- We diagnose first, checking the key and steering lock before recommending a cylinder replacement.
- We can cut and program keys during the same visit when a repair calls for it.
- We explain the cause and your options in plain language and discuss pricing factors before work begins.
Where we work
Crenshaw Lock Company serves drivers throughout Greater Los Angeles, and our technicians travel to you wherever the car is. That includes the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, the South Bay and Harbor area, and the Westside, where ignition trouble often strikes at home, at work, or in a busy parking structure.
We also cover the Gateway Cities, Central and South LA, and parts of Ventura County. Because we are entirely mobile, there is no shop to visit. Call (323) 997-8867, tell us where you are parked, and we will let you know whether we can reach your location.
Need ignition repair now?
24/7 Mobile Locksmith across Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County. We answer 24/7.
Related services
Automotive LocksmithMobile auto locksmith for cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs and fleets.
Car Key ReplacementReplace lost or broken car keys — cut and programmed on site, even with no original.
Key Fob ReplacementReplace and program remote key fobs and smart/proximity keys.
Transponder Key ProgrammingProgram chip/transponder keys to your vehicle's immobilizer.
Ignition Repair — FAQs
Why won't my key turn in the ignition?
Can you fix a key that is stuck in the ignition?
Do I need a new ignition cylinder or just a new key?
Will you come to me if my car won't start or move?
Will the new ignition work with my existing key?
Can you program a transponder key after replacing the ignition?
Do you offer ignition repair at night or on weekends?
How do I know what the repair will cost?
Reviewed by David Shar — Owner & Lead Technician
Crenshaw Lock Company has served Greater Los Angeles & Ventura County since 1987.
Last updated 2026-10-12.