Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key may be dirty or may have a damaged wafer in it. This can be corrected by sliding the key into and car ignition lock out of the cylinder a few times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. This can be fixed by moving the shifter up or down to put the car in the correct gear.

If it is still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or by an auto locksmith in your area.

The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can solve this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into the proper position.

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build over the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem try cleaning the key with a cloth or using a cleaner, like Triflow. It is also recommended to use a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the ignition.

You can also tap the key with a small hammer, when it's in the ignition. This will create a tiny vibration, which may be enough to loosen up the ignition's wafers and allow them to slide into place. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you should consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. A locksmith can make an alternate key in the event that the issue is the key. If the cylinder for the ignition is the issue then you'll have to bring the vehicle to a repair shop for it to be replaced. These issues are usually simple to repair.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. This can happen if the driver is unable to engage it when they exit or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel and securing themself against it with their hands. It can also happen if a passenger in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they get out of the vehicle.

Fortunately it's a simple fix car ignition that does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter until it shifts into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or Car Ignition Lock press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will show whether the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower area of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is important to not apply too much pressure since this can damage the key, or even break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use a spare key to see if it can disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and no longer able engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. If this is the case then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design a replacement key.

If the new key isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this isn't working, you'll likely have to visit a specialist at your local auto dealer. They can supply you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

It could be that your key may be damaged if it does not turn on. You can remove any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this aids.

If the pins inside the lock aren't moving in a proper manner when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, try putting it into the ignition and gently pulling it out. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move as they should. If not, grease the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious problem is that it is worn or damaged and is unable to connect the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to not turn and stop you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll have to take your car to an auto repair ignition lock cylinder shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you can turn your vehicle with a spare key, and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of an hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it to allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does nothing will happen, you'll have to get the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when it is inserted. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.

You can also use a small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Again, be very careful not to overdo this, or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.

It is crucial to confirm that your car Ignition lock's transmission is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. Many newer cars have the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral that can stop the key from turning in the ignition.

If you have done all of this but cannot get your key to turn, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally, this involves removing the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners holding it in the position.

After you have removed the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to check the new one you bought with the original one to ensure that they are an identical match. Once this is done, the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it's advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help choose the right replacement and install it correctly so that your car can start again.