At Fitz’z, it’s not about the cars –
It’s about the people who drive them!
Monday to Friday
From 8:00am – 4:30pm
At Fitz’z, it’s not about the cars –
It’s about the people who drive them!
Monday to Friday
From 8:00am – 4:30pm
If you’ve ever sat in your vehicle near Broadway at Holden SB, turned your key, and nothing happened — or worse, felt the key get stuck and refuse to budge — you know that sinking feeling all too well. Ignition problems don’t just inconvenience your morning commute through St. Louis; they can leave you stranded in a parking lot off South Broadway or stuck outside your favorite spot near Soulard. At Fitz’z Automotive Service, we’ve been the trusted, family-owned dealership alternative for over 30 years, and ignition repair is one of the services our St. Louis customers count on us for most. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty ignition switch, a worn-out ignition lock cylinder, or a broken key jammed in the tumbler, our expert team diagnoses the root cause fast and gets you back on the road safely. We service all makes and models — from classic cars cruising along the Route 66 corridor to the latest domestic, Asian, and European vehicles (excluding Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and Land Rover). Based in Lemay, MO, we’re conveniently located near Broadway at Holden SB and proudly serve drivers throughout the greater St. Louis area. Our Transparent Digital Vehicle Inspections mean you’ll receive detailed updates sent directly to you, so you always know exactly what’s happening with your vehicle.
St. Louis drivers encounter a wide range of ignition issues, and many of them show up without warning. The most common problems we see at our shop include a stuck key that won’t turn in the ignition cylinder, an ignition switch that fails to engage the starter, and electrical faults within the broader ignition system that prevent the engine from firing. Wafer wear inside the lock cylinder is especially common in older vehicles — as the internal tumblers degrade over time, your car key may struggle to turn or may not register at all. We also frequently handle key extraction when a broken key snaps off inside the ignition, a problem that often sends drivers searching for a mobile locksmith when a skilled mechanic with proper diagnostic tools is the better solution.
Ignoring ignition problems isn’t just frustrating — it can be dangerous. A failing ignition can cause your vehicle to stall unexpectedly on busy roads like Interstate 55 or Highway 270 during rush hour. Electrical issues within the ignition assembly can also affect your steering wheel lock mechanism, potentially creating a safety hazard. Prompt auto repair from a qualified specialist protects both you and other St. Louis drivers on the road.
How do you know it’s time to visit a professional? Watch for these warning signs:
At Fitz’z Automotive Service, we don’t guess — we diagnose. Our technicians use advanced electronic diagnostic equipment to evaluate every component of your ignition system, from the electrical contacts inside the ignition switch to the mechanical condition of the ignition lock cylinder. We test the starter circuit, check for voltage drops, inspect the transponder key signal, and evaluate the ignition assembly as a complete unit. This thorough approach means we identify the actual problem the first time, saving you money and preventing repeat visits.
The ignition switch is the electrical component that sends power to your starter motor and vehicle accessories. When it fails, your engine simply won’t start — no matter how many times you turn the key. Depending on the severity of the damage, we may be able to repair the existing switch or recommend a full ignition switch replacement. Unlike a locksmith who typically addresses only the mechanical key-and-cylinder portion, our team handles the complete electrical and mechanical repair as an experienced auto repair shop.
The ignition lock cylinder is the mechanical component where you insert your car key. Over thousands of starts, the internal wafers and pins wear down — a condition known as wafer wear — until the cylinder no longer recognizes your key properly. Our ignition cylinder replacement service includes matching the new cylinder to your existing key when possible, or providing new keys that are properly programmed. We also perform key extraction for customers who have a broken key lodged inside the cylinder, a service that many people mistakenly believe requires a mobile locksmith when an automotive specialist can handle it more comprehensively.
One thing that sets Fitz’z Automotive Service apart from every dealership and independent shop in the area is our Transparent Digital Vehicle Inspections. When we inspect your ignition system, we capture photos and notes and send them directly to you on your phone or computer. You’ll see exactly what we see — the worn ignition lock cylinder, the corroded ignition switch contacts, or the damaged key fob antenna. No surprises, no upselling, just honest information so you can make an informed decision about your repair.
The replacement cost for ignition repair depends on several factors: the specific component that’s failed (the ignition switch, ignition lock cylinder, or complete ignition assembly), your vehicle’s year, make, and model, and whether transponder key programming or key fob reprogramming is required. A straightforward key extraction will naturally cost less than a full ignition cylinder replacement with new key programming. We provide detailed, upfront estimates before any work begins — no hidden fees, no surprises.
Most ignition repairs at our Lemay, MO shop are completed within the same day. Simple services like key extraction for a broken key or ignition switch replacement can often be finished in one to two hours. More involved work — such as replacing the entire ignition assembly and programming a new transponder key — may take a few hours longer. We’ll give you an honest time estimate when you drop off your vehicle so you can plan your day accordingly.
Every ignition repair we perform is backed by our commitment to quality workmanship and OE-quality replacement parts. We stand behind our work because we know that when you turn the key, your vehicle needs to start — every single time. Our Transparent Digital Vehicle Inspections give you documented proof of every repair performed, so you have complete peace of mind.
Fitz’z Automotive Service has been solving complex automotive problems for St. Louis families for more than three decades. Our technicians have seen every generation of ignition system technology — from the simple mechanical switches in classic muscle cars to today’s sophisticated electronic transponder key and key fob immobilizer systems. That depth of experience means faster, more accurate diagnoses and repairs you can trust. Professional repair shops in St. Louis must also adhere to federal mandates, and we maintain full EPA and OSHA auto shop compliance to ensure the safest possible environment for our team and customers.
Whether you drive a vintage Chevy Impala, a late-model Toyota Camry, a Ford F-150, or a Honda Accord, our team has the expertise and tooling to service your ignition system. We work on all domestic, Asian, and European makes and models, with the exception of Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and Land Rover. From programming a new transponder key for a Hyundai to performing an ignition cylinder replacement on a classic Pontiac, we’ve got you covered.
Why pay dealership prices when you can get the same quality — or better — from a family-owned shop that treats you like a neighbor? Our replacement cost for ignition components is consistently more affordable than what the dealership charges, and our turnaround times are often faster because we’re focused on getting St. Louis families back on the road, not maximizing billable hours. Located in Lemay, MO, we’re just minutes from Broadway at Holden SB and neighborhoods like Carondelet, Dutchtown, and Affton.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!
Fitz’z Automotive Service is proudly based in Lemay, MO, and conveniently located near Broadway at Holden SB. We serve drivers from neighborhoods and communities throughout the greater St. Louis area, including Carondelet, Dutchtown, Affton, Mehlville, South City, and beyond. Whether you live a few blocks from our shop or commute from across the river, we’re here to keep your vehicle running reliably.
The most common causes include wafer wear inside the ignition lock cylinder, electrical failure of the ignition switch, a worn or damaged car key, transponder key signal loss, and physical damage from a stuck key or forced turning. St. Louis temperature extremes — from sweltering summers to freezing winters — can also accelerate wear on ignition components.
We strongly advise against it. A failing ignition system can cause your vehicle to stall unexpectedly, lock the steering wheel, or leave you stranded. If you’re experiencing intermittent ignition issues, schedule a diagnostic appointment with a qualified mechanic before the problem leaves you stuck on the side of the road.
Yes — we service all domestic, Asian, and European makes and models with the exception of Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and Land Rover. Whether you need an ignition switch replacement, ignition cylinder replacement, key extraction, or key fob programming, our team has the expertise and tooling to handle it.
If your dashboard lights flicker when you turn the key, your accessories cut in and out, or the engine won’t crank despite a good battery and starter, the ignition switch is likely the culprit. If the key physically won’t turn or feels loose in the cylinder, the issue is more likely the ignition lock cylinder. Our diagnostic process will pinpoint exactly which component needs attention so you’re not paying for unnecessary parts.
Don’t wait until a failing ignition leaves you stranded. If you’re experiencing any signs of ignition trouble — a stuck key, intermittent starting, a broken key, or key fob issues — contact Fitz’z Automotive Service today. As St. Louis’s trusted, family-owned dealership alternative for over 30 years, we deliver expert ignition repair with Transparent Digital Vehicle Inspections and honest, upfront pricing. Call us or visit our shop near Broadway at Holden SB to schedule your appointment and experience the Fitz’z difference.