The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My car ignition lock (related website) Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your car ignition may be locked. One reason is that the key is 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.

The pins of the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral, but won't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there might be an issue with the shifter switch for the transmission. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the car into the gear.

If it's not turning, the issue could be related to the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith ignition replacement locksmith can fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder could also wear out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key can wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can help solve this problem by allowing the wafers to slide into the place.

The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to keep packages in place. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue try cleaning the keys with a cloth or using an instrument cleaner, such as Triflow. You may also test a spare key to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.

When the key is in ignition, you can tap it with an hammer that is small. This will create a tiny vibration, which could be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and let them slide into place. However, you should be cautious not to scratch the ignition key or cylinder.

If none of the above work, you should contact a locksmith to test the issue. It could be that the key is damaged inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. Locksmiths can create a replacement key if the problem is the key. If the ignition cylinder is the cause then you'll have to bring the vehicle to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. These issues are usually simple to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. This can happen if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while balancing themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they get out of the vehicle.

This is a straightforward fix that doesn't involve a trip to the 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 gently until it shifts into one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should determine if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much force, as this could damage the key or even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use an additional key to determine if it can disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and cannot engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the new key won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this doesn't 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 replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

It could be that your key is damaged if it doesn't turn in the ignition. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it can help.

If the pins inside the lock do not move correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have insert it. This should let you hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, as they ought to. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This should allow the pins slide into place when you insert the key and also prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue with your key may be that it is damaged or worn out and is unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, and prevent you from starting your vehicle. If this happens you'll need to take your car to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you can turn your car with a spare key, and you have eliminated any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or the handle of an Hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder can often release it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this is not working then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or is a result of regular wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along.

You can also use a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo this, or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

Before you do this, ensure that the gearbox of your car is in neutral or park. Many modern 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 being turned in the ignition.

If you have done all of this and still not able to 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 require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then remove any fasteners that hold it in place.

After removing the cover you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from 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 identical. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same way that the previous one was removed.

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