Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key might be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. This can be fixed by moving the shifter up or down to put the car into the gear.

If it's still not turning, the problem could be related to the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. They can be fixed by a mechanic or by a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key can wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers to slide into place.

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can build up on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow, to solve this issue. You may also test a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the key.

While the key is in ignition you can tap it using a an hammer that is small. This will create a slight vibration that may cause enough friction to loosen the wafers in the ignition which will allow them to slide into place. Be careful not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above options fail, it's likely to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it looked at. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can make a new one for you. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought into a repair shop to get it replaced. These issues are generally simple to solve.

Check the steering wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel and holding it against their body. It could also happen if a passenger in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.

Luckily it's a simple fix and does not require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, ensure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes 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 examination of the steering column will confirm that the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure since this can damage the key, or even break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

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

If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it might aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work you, it's possible to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They'll be able to give you a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, in the event that it is required.

Check the Key

It could be that your key has been damaged if it will not turn in the ignition. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this helps.

It is possible that the internal lock pins aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, you can try putting it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins move inside. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you can lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key, and also prevent them from getting stuck.

A more serious issue with your key could be that it has worn or damaged, g28carkeys.Co.uk making it unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your car. If this happens, you will need to bring your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop for repair.

If you can turn your vehicle with a spare key, and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of an Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will loosen it to allow you to turn the key of your car. If this doesn't work, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and removed when it is inserted. Often times, it gets filled with debris or is the result of wear and wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along.

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, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

Before you do this, ensure that the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral, which can prevent the key from turning in the ignition.

If you have tried all of these steps and your key doesn't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedure.

Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which covers the steering column and ignition key replacement assembly. To remove this cover, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.

After the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to ensure that they're identical. After this step is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the old one.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help determine the correct replacement and install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle will begin again.