Why is My Car ignition lock Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be corrected by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.

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 transmission shifter switch. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the car into gear.

If it is still not turning, the issue could be due to the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily solve these problems.

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

Lint from your pocket and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can build up on the key, which prevents it from being able to slide into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the key using the help of a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow. You can also try a spare key to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This can cause a slight vibration, which could be enough to loosen up the ignition's wafers and allow them to slide into place. You should be careful not to damage either the ignition key replacement cost cylinder, or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to call a locksmith to check it out. The key might be broken inside the ignition cylinder, or it might be time to replace it altogether. A locksmith can make an alternative key if the issue is with the key. If the issue is related to the ignition cylinder, your car is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. These issues are generally simple to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. It can happen when drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It could also happen when 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 and does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in Neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick inspection of the steering column will confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is typically marked by a tiny "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much force, as this could damage the key or Car Ignition Lock even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the case then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an alternative key.

If the key ignition replacement still doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it might help. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this does not work you, you might need to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

It could be that your key may be damaged if it does not engage in the ignition. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids.

It is possible that the lock pins inside aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, you can try placing it into the ignition and gently sliding it back out. This should let you hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, lubricate the pins with powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into place when you insert the key, and keep them from becoming stuck.

It could be that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning and prevent you from starting your vehicle. If this is the case you'll need bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for assistance.

If you can turn your car using a spare key, and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will often free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this does nothing then you'll need your lock cylinder changed by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key slides into and out of place when inserted. It is often gunked up with debris or is the result of wear and wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along.

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

Before you try this, ensure that the gearbox of your car is either in park or neutral. Many newer cars have the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from turning into the ignition.

If you have done all of this but not able to get your key to rotate, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder needs replacement. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, so it is essential to follow the correct procedures.

This usually involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in the position.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll need to take the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to compare the new one that you have purchased with the original one to make sure they're the same. After this, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the previous one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. It is suggested that if this happens, you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly to ensure that your car can start again.