Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition could be stuck. The key could be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. This can be repaired by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral but it doesn't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there could be an issue with the shifter switch for the transmission. This can be easily solved by moving the switch up or down to put the Car Ignition Lock in the gear.

If the car doesn't turn, the problem could be related to the neutral safety cable, or the shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time the ignition as well as the key can become worn out making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint from your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this problem. You should also utilize a spare key in order to determine if the issue is related to the key or the ignition.

When the key is in the ignition you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will create a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition, Car Ignition Lock allowing them to slide in place. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder or the key.

If none of the above work, you need to consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the whole thing. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the issue then you'll have to bring the car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to repair.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A simple problem that can stop the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This can happen if the driver has a mistake and engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

Luckily, this is an easy fix car ignition and does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter until it changes into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will show whether the key is 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 key or pulling it back with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force as this could cause damage to the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has worn out and no longer able to engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design an appropriate replacement key.

If the new key isn't engaging, a quick spray of penetrating oil could help. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this doesn't help, you may need to speak with a specialist at your local car dealership. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and also replace the ignition cylinder, in the event that it is required.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key is damaged if it does not turn in the ignition. You can try removing any foreign material from the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it helps.

If the pins within the lock aren't moving properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test the spare key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after you put it in. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving within. If not, you could lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has become worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, preventing you from starting your car. If this happens, you will need to take your car to a locksmith or repair shop for repair.

If you're able to turn your car with a spare key and you have ruled out any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this is not working it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when it is inserted. Often times, it gets filled with debris or simply due to wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use the small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause severe damage to the ignition cylinder replacement near me switch.

Before you do this, ensure that your car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you have tried all of these methods and your key still won't turn, it could be that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to remember that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then remove any fasteners that hold it in place.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are the same. After this you can then install the new ignition cylinder in exactly the same way that you did with the old one.

It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended that you contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly to ensure that your vehicle will be able to start up again.