The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your ignition might be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer in it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

Another possibility is that the pins in 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

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is turned on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to get the car into the correct gear.

If it's still not turning, the problem could be due to the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can fix these issues.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time both the ignition and key may wear out and become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to keep packages in place. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow, to solve this problem. You could also try a spare key to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

You can also tap the key with a small hammer, while it's in the ignition. This will cause a slight vibration that may cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition, allowing them to slide into position. Be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or key.

If all of the above options fail, it's probably time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged in the ignition, or it may be time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can create an alternative key if the problem is the key. If the ignition cylinder is the problem, you will need to take the car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. These issues are generally simple to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A common issue that can stop the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel as they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It could also happen when someone in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.

Luckily it's an easy fix that 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's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column will determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower area 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 it could damage the key, or even break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key if this is the case.

If the new key still isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then gently 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 car dealership. They'll be able to give you a new key and 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 does not turn in the ignition. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You could also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

It could be 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 put it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

A more serious issue with your key may be that it has worn or damaged, making it unable to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your car ignition key replacement ignition lock (cool training). If this happens you'll need to bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you can turn your car with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to unlock the lock by using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Do not use the head. Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will release it and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this doesn't work, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and removed when you insert it. It can get clogged up with debris, or just wear and wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

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

Before you do this, ensure that the car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. A lot of newer vehicles come with a system which locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or in park. This can prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you've tried all of this but can't get your key to turn, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is essential to follow the correct procedures.

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

After removing the cover you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are identical. Following this step is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder exactly the same way as the previous one.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition may become damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact Tempe Locksmith Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can start again.