The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Heard About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside it. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.

The pins on the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder gently using a small tack hammer.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when the key is inserted into the ignition, there may be a problem with the shifter switch for the transmission. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to put the vehicle into the gear.

If it is still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, Van Ignition repair the ignition and the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock lubricant, can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.

Lint from your pocket and adhesive from tape that holds packages together can also build over the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner, such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You could also try 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 can cause a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen up the wafers in the ignition and let them slide into place. However, you should be careful not to scratch the key or the ignition cylinder.

If all of the above solutions are unsuccessful, it's time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it looked at. The key may be damaged within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be time to replace it altogether. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can create a new key for you. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, your car is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. Luckily, these problems are generally easy to solve.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A simple problem that can stop the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using 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 involve a trip to the mechanic or locksmith. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter until it moves into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column should reveal if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually located in the lower part of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling the key or pulling on it with moderate force. It is crucial not to use excessive force since this could cause damage to the key or break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is using an additional key to determine whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has worn out and is no more able to 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 key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it could help. Apply a small amount around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then jiggle or tap it lightly 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 can supply you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

If the pins inside the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test the spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after having insert it. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, as they ought to. If not, you can lubricate the pins with powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins slide into place when you insert the key and keep them from getting stuck.

It could be that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to connect with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning and prevent you from starting your car. If this happens, you will need to take your car to repair ignition lock cylinder or locksmith shop for assistance.

If you are able to turn your car with a spare key, and you have eliminated any problems with the steering wheel or battery it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder can free it and allow you to turn your car key. If this is not working it is necessary to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when you insert it. Often times, it gets covered in debris or is due to wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help 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 out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A majority of modern cars have 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 have tried these steps but your key is still unable to turn, it's possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedures.

Generally, this means removing the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.

After removing the cover you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to check the new one that you bought with the previous one to ensure that they are an identical match. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended that you contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help choose the right replacement and then install it properly to ensure that your vehicle will restart.