Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition in your car may be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer in it. This can be fixed by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder multiple times.

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

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral but it doesn't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, it might be an issue with the shifter switch on the transmission. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter up or down to get the car into gear.

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

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

The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this problem. You should also use a spare key to determine if the issue is related to the key or the ignition.

While the key is in ignition you can tap it using a a small piece of hammer. This can cause a small vibration that may cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide into place. However, you must be cautious not to harm the ignition cylinder or the key. cylinder.

If none of the above works, you must contact a locksmith to test it out. It could be that the key is damaged inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can create a new one for you. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder lock repair cylinder, your car will need to be brought into a repair shop to have it repaired. Luckily, these issues are generally easy to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A simple issue that could hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It could happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel while they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel and resting it against their body. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they exit the car ignition switch.

This is a quick fix that doesn't involve a trip to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column will reveal if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling it or pulling on it with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much pressure as it could damage the key, or even break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and no capable of engaging the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it could help. Just apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then jiggle or tap it lightly until it begins to work. If this isn't working, you'll probably need to visit a specialist at your local auto dealership. They will be able to provide you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key may be damaged if it doesn't turn in the ignition. Try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.

It could be that the lock pins inside aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. You can test the spare key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after you put it in. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If not, apply lubrication to the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place as you insert the key and stop them from becoming stuck.

It could be that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to work with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your car. If this happens you'll need take your vehicle to a locksmith or repair shop for assistance.

If you can turn your car with a spare key and you have eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of a hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently can often release it, allowing you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work will happen, you'll have to get the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key is inserted and slides out of place when inserted. It could get blocked with debris, or just wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition key replacement cost to make things move along.

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

It is crucial to confirm that your car ignition system repair's transmission is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. A lot of newer vehicles come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This can prevent the ignition key from being turned.

If you have tried all of these methods and your key doesn't turn, it could be that the ignition housing has to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

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

After you have removed the cover, you'll have 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 the same. After this step is completed, the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition can become damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that when this happens, you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith ignition replacement cost can help determine the correct replacement and then install it properly so that your vehicle can begin again.