Locksmith Chronicles: An Unusual Situation When Replacing the Ignition on a 2012 KIA Sportage in Jacksonville, Florida

Initial situation

1. Attempted thieves tried to steal the 2012 KIA Sportage and damaged the ignition.

2. Mechanics had forcefully removed the old ignition and unsuccessfully tried to install the new one.

The job itself was not complicated

1. Check the new ignition and pay attention to the male and female parts.

2. Set both parts to the ACC position.

3. Carefully work the ignition into place.

4. Reconnect the electrical wiring.

5. Start the vehicle.

The problem

There was one unexpected difficulty with this vehicle: the ignition would not go all the way in.

Visually, there was nothing obvious preventing it from going into place. It was short by approximately 1 mm.

The solution: good lighting and a vacuum cleaner

With better lighting, I inspected the mounting surfaces of the ignition and found small fragments of the old ignition.

These small pieces were preventing the new ignition from seating properly.

A small mobile vacuum cleaner solved the problem.

Sometimes a repair does not require anything complicated — just good light, careful inspection, and the right tool.

Cost

$300–$500

Call/Text (904)607-7908