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
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning your key and getting nothing — or worse, being stranded in a parking lot off Lemay Ferry Road because your ignition suddenly gave out. If you’re dealing with ignition trouble, you’re not alone. Ignition repair in St. Louis is one of the most common services we perform, and our team has been solving these exact problems for drivers across South St. Louis County for over three decades. Whether your key won’t turn, your engine cranks without starting, or your steering wheel is stuck and locked up tight, we have the diagnostic expertise and hands-on experience to get you back on the road quickly. As a family-owned dealership alternative right here in Lemay, MO 63125, we pride ourselves on honest communication, fair pricing, and treating every vehicle — from a daily commuter to a classic weekend cruiser — with the same level of care. We work on domestic, Asian, and European makes and models, and our technicians stay current on the latest ignition system technologies, including transponder key programming and electronic ignition modules. When you bring your vehicle to us, you’ll receive transparent digital vehicle inspections with updates sent directly to you, so you always know exactly what’s happening with your car before any work begins.
Ignition issues can manifest in dozens of ways, and the root cause isn’t always obvious. Some drivers notice their key feels loose or wobbly. Others find the engine intermittently stalls while driving down Telegraph Road or through the Carondelet neighborhood. We routinely diagnose and repair worn ignition contacts, failed ignition modules, corroded wiring harnesses, and malfunctioning anti-theft immobilizer systems. Whether the problem is mechanical, electrical, or electronic, we pinpoint it with precision before recommending any repair.
The ignition switch is the electrical component that activates your vehicle’s starter, fuel system, and accessories. When it fails, you may experience intermittent starting, flickering dashboard lights, or a complete no-start condition. Our ignition switch replacement service covers the full diagnostic process, removal of the old switch, and installation of a quality OE-spec replacement. We handle everything from simple single-contact switches on older vehicles to the more complex multi-function units found in modern cars.
The ignition lock cylinder is the mechanical component where you insert your key. Over years of use, the internal tumblers wear down, pins break, and the cylinder can seize entirely. If your key won’t turn or gets stuck, the lock cylinder is often the culprit. We also perform broken key extraction when a worn key snaps off inside the cylinder — a situation that requires careful removal to avoid damaging the steering column. Our technicians are experienced in both ignition cylinder repair and full replacement, matching new cylinders to your existing key whenever possible.
Modern vehicles rely on a complex network of sensors, modules, and wiring to manage the ignition process. A failing crankshaft position sensor, a corroded ground wire, or a faulty relay can all mimic ignition switch or cylinder problems. We use factory-level scan tools and wiring diagrams — along with trusted automotive repair resources — to trace electrical faults accurately, ensuring we fix the actual problem rather than replacing parts unnecessarily.
Every ignition repair at our shop begins with a thorough inspection. We don’t guess — we test. Our technicians evaluate the mechanical condition of the lock cylinder, the electrical integrity of the ignition switch, and the communication between your key’s transponder and the vehicle’s immobilizer system. This comprehensive approach saves you time and money by identifying all related issues upfront.
One thing that sets us apart from other shops in St. Louis County is our commitment to transparency. Once our diagnostic is complete, we send you a detailed digital vehicle inspection — complete with photos and technician notes — directly to your phone or email. You’ll see exactly what we found, understand why we’re recommending a specific repair, and have the information you need to make a confident decision. No surprises, no pressure, no hidden fees.
We use OE-quality and OEM parts for every ignition repair. Whether we’re replacing an ignition lock cylinder on a Honda Accord, performing an ignition switch replacement on a Ford F-150, or rebuilding a steering column assembly on a classic Chevy, we source parts that meet or exceed factory specifications. Quality parts mean lasting repairs — and that’s what our reputation in Lemay has been built on for over 30 years.
Before we hand you back your keys, every ignition repair undergoes rigorous testing. We verify smooth key operation, confirm proper electrical contact through all switch positions, test starter engagement, and ensure the anti-theft system recognizes the key. We want you driving away with complete confidence that the repair is done right.
This is the most common symptom drivers report. If you’re jiggling the key, wiggling the steering wheel, or applying force just to get the ignition to turn, the lock cylinder tumblers are likely worn. Continuing to force a worn cylinder can lead to a snapped key — and an emergency locksmith call you didn’t plan for. Addressing it early with a proper ignition cylinder repair is far more affordable than dealing with broken key extraction and a full steering column disassembly.
If your starter motor engages but the engine won’t fire — or if the engine suddenly dies while you’re driving through Lemay — a failing ignition switch may be losing contact in the “run” position. This is a safety concern, especially on busy roads like Lemay Ferry or near the River Des Peres, and should be diagnosed immediately.
A failing ignition switch can cause erratic behavior in your vehicle’s electrical system: flickering gauges, a security light that stays illuminated, or accessories that cut in and out. These symptoms often point to degraded internal contacts within the ignition switch that can no longer maintain consistent electrical flow.
When your steering wheel is stuck and won’t release even with key manipulation, the problem often lies in the interplay between the steering column lock mechanism and the ignition lock cylinder. Similarly, if turning the key to the accessory position yields no power to your radio or windows, the switch may have failed in that detent. Both issues require professional diagnosis to avoid further damage to the steering column.
We’ve been a part of the South St. Louis County community for more than three decades. Our neighbors in Lemay, Affton, and Mehlville know us by name, and many of our customers are second-generation families who grew up trusting their vehicles to our shop. That kind of loyalty isn’t built on marketing — it’s built on consistently honest, high-quality work.
You don’t need to drive to a dealership and pay dealership prices for expert ignition repair. Our technicians have the same training, tools, and diagnostic capabilities — often with more hands-on experience — and we deliver that expertise at prices that respect your budget. We’re the dealership alternative Lemay drivers have relied on for years.
From a late-model Chevy Silverado to a vintage Mustang, from a Toyota Camry to an Audi A4, our team has the knowledge to service ignition systems across a wide range of makes and models. Classic car owners throughout St. Louis County trust us with their prized vehicles because we understand older ignition systems just as well as modern electronic ones.
Unlike a standalone automotive locksmith or mobile locksmith services provider, we offer full-service ignition repair that encompasses everything under one roof. Need an auto locksmith in Lemay for car key replacement? We handle it. Need transponder key programming paired with a new ignition lock cylinder? We do both. Need electrical diagnostics on the entire steering column? That’s our specialty. This integrated approach means fewer trips, faster turnaround, and a single trusted shop managing the whole job.
Ignition repair costs depend on several factors: the specific component that’s failed, your vehicle’s make and model, whether anti-theft or transponder systems are involved, and the complexity of the steering column design. A straightforward lock cylinder replacement on a domestic truck will differ in cost from a full ignition switch replacement on a European sedan with integrated electronics.
Generally, an ignition lock cylinder replacement involves more mechanical labor — particularly if broken key extraction is required — while an ignition switch replacement may involve more electrical work and module programming. We provide a detailed estimate after our digital inspection so you know exactly what to expect before we begin any repair.
Most ignition repairs are completed within a half-day to a full day, depending on parts availability and the complexity of the job. Emergency situations — like a key snapped in the ignition or a complete no-start — are prioritized to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. We’ll communicate the timeline clearly from the start and keep you updated throughout the process.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!
Before any wrench turns, you receive a clear, detailed estimate explaining the recommended repairs, the parts involved, and the associated costs. We believe you deserve to understand every dollar you spend, and we never proceed with additional work without your approval.
Our shop is conveniently located in Lemay, MO 63125, making us easily accessible for drivers throughout South St. Louis County. Whether you’re coming from the Hancock Place neighborhood, heading over from near Jefferson Barracks Park, or driving down from Carondelet, we’re just minutes away. Our central location in Lemay means less hassle getting your vehicle to us — especially important when you’re dealing with an ignition that’s acting up.
We strongly advise against it. A failing ignition can cause your engine to stall unexpectedly — potentially in traffic on busy roads like I-55 or Lemay Ferry — creating a serious safety hazard. If your ignition is showing signs of failure, have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. If you can’t safely start or drive the vehicle, contact us and we’ll help you arrange a solution.
Absolutely. Classic car ignition systems are one of our specialties. Whether you’re restoring a ’60s-era muscle car or maintaining a daily-driven classic, we have the expertise and access to parts needed for older ignition systems that many modern shops simply can’t service.
Our ignition repairs come with a parts and labor warranty. If your vehicle is still under a manufacturer’s powertrain warranty, ignition component coverage will depend on the specific terms of that warranty. We’re happy to review your situation and advise you on the best path forward.
Don’t wait for a minor ignition issue to become a major breakdown. Whether you need an ignition switch replacement, a new ignition lock cylinder, transponder key programming, or a full electrical diagnostic, our experienced team is here to help. We’ve been the trusted auto repair shop for Lemay and St. Louis County families for over 30 years, and we’re ready to earn your trust, too. Call us today or contact us online to book your ignition repair appointment. We’ll take care of the rest — with honest pricing, transparent inspections, and expert workmanship you can count on.