Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition could be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer in it. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

The pins of the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is turned on. You can fix this by shifting the gear shifter up or down to put the vehicle into gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable or the shifter in the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith ignition replacement locksmith can easily fix these issues.

The ignition cylinder can also wear out. In time, both the ignition and key can become worn out making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting wafers to slide into the proper position.

The key could get clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to secure packages. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition lock repair. You can clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this problem. It is also recommended to use a spare key to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition.

You can also tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This can cause a slight vibration, which may cause enough vibration to loosen the wafers in the ignition and let them slide into place. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above solutions fail, it's likely to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the car ignition key replacement will need to be brought to a repair shop to have it replaced. These problems are usually easy to solve.

Examine the Steering Wheel

A simple problem that can prevent the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. This happens if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It can also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

This is a simple fix that doesn't require an appointment with a mechanic or locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick check of the steering column should determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower area of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling it or pulling it down with moderate force. It is important to not use too much pressure as this could cause damage to the key, or even break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another option is using a spare key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could mean that the original key is worn out and no longer able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the case the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an appropriate replacement key.

If the key does not engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it might help. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this doesn't help you, you might need to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They'll be able give you a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, should it be necessary.

Check the Key

If you are unable get your key to turn in the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can remove 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 this aids.

It is possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test the spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition after you insert it. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder to stop to turn, preventing you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll need to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.

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 because the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver, or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder can free it to allow you to turn the key of your car. If this doesn't work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert 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 due to wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

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

Before you attempt this, make sure that your car Ignition lock's gearbox is either in park or neutral. Many modern cars have the ability to lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral that can stop the key from being turned into the ignition lock repair.

If you have tried all of these steps and your key doesn't turn, it's possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, so it is crucial to follow the correct steps.

Generally, this means removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you'll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners that hold it in place.

After you have removed the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they are the same. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same manner as the previous one.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition could be damaged and require to be replaced. It is recommended that when this happens, you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you select the best replacement and ensure it is installed correctly to ensure that your vehicle will restart.