9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your ignition could be stuck. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

The pins of the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap 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 switched on. This can be solved by moving the switch up or down to get the car in the gear.

If the car still won't turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or by an auto locksmith in your area.

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

The key could get clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to hold packages together. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. To fix this issue you can try cleaning the key using an old cloth or using a cleaner, such as Triflow. You may also test a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the key.

While the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will create a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide into position. However, you should be cautious not to damage the key or the ignition cylinder.

If all of the above methods fail, it's likely to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith can create a new key for you. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, your car will need to be brought to a repair shop to get it replaced. Luckily, these problems are usually very easy to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A common issue that can prevent the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. It could happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel and being able to hold it against their body. It could also happen if someone in the back seat is unable to stop it when they get out of the car.

Luckily it's a simple fix that doesn't require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter until it moves into one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will tell if the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower part 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 force as this could cause damage to the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and is no longer able to engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an appropriate replacement key.

If the key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it could help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this doesn't help, you may need to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They can provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

It could be that your key has been damaged if it will not turn on. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You could also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

If the pins in the lock do not move correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, try placing it in the ignition, then gently removing it. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move as they should. If not, you can lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes which can be squirted into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

It could be that your key has worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case, you will need to bring your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop 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 that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of an hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will loosen it up and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does nothing, you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when inserted. It is often covered in debris or is a result of regular wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward.

You can also make use of a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be very cautious not to overdo this, or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.

Before you do this, make sure the gearbox of your Car Ignition Lock is set to neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.

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

Generally, this means taking off the plastic cover that is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners holding it in place.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they are the same. Once this is done the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help you determine the correct replacement and ensure it is installed correctly to ensure that your vehicle will start again.