Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are many reasons why your car ignition may be locked. The key might be dirty or have a broken wafer inside it. This can be fixed by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.
The pins on the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer.
Check the Battery
The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral, or doesn’t start when the key is turned on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to put the car in gear.
If it’s still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. They can be fixed by a mechanic, or a local locksmith for cars.
The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key can wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can solve this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into the proper position.
The filth from your pockets and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can build up on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue, you can try cleaning the keys with an old cloth or using a cleaner, like Triflow. You can also try a spare key to determine if the problem is with the ignition or the key.
When the key is in ignition, you can tap it with a an hammer that is small. This will create a tiny vibration that could cause enough vibration to loosen the ignition’s wafers and let them slide into place. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.
If none of the suggestions above work, you need to call a locksmith to check it out. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the entire thing. If the issue is with the key, a locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the cause, you will need to bring the vehicle to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. Fortunately, these issues are usually very easy to fix.
Make sure you check the steering Wheel
A simple issue that could prevent the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This can happen if the driver accidentally engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle and is usually caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it with their hands. It can also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle.
Luckily it’s an easy fix and doesn’t require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it’s not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.
If the wheel isn’t locked a quick look at the steering column will reveal whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is typically indicated by a small “Lock” label on the lower part of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling it or pulling it back with moderate force. It is essential not to use too much pressure as this can damage the key, or even damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder.
Another thing to try is to use an additional key to determine whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers in 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 new key still won’t engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could assist. Apply a small amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn’t work you, you might need to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.
Check the Key
If you are unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You can also try rubbing rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it aids.
If the pins inside the lock aren’t moving correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, you can try putting it into the ignition and gently removing it. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving within. If not, you can lubricate the pins with powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck.
A more serious issue with your key could be that it has damaged or worn which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your car ignition replacement near me. If this happens you’ll need to take your car to repair or locksmith shop for repair.
If you are able to turn your car using a spare key and you have ruled out any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of smaller hammers. Do not use the head. Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this does not work then you’ll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and slides out of position when it is inserted. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and tear. You can try squirting 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 interior of the ignition cylinder in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it as you could cause severe damage to the ignition lock repair switch.
It is essential to ensure that your car’s transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.
If you’ve tried all of these methods but your key is still unable to turn, it could be that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, so it is important to follow the correct steps.
Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you’ll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in place.
After removing the cover you’ll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to compare the new one you bought with the previous one to ensure that they’re the same. After this is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same way as the old one.
It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you determine the correct replacement and install it correctly so that your car can begin again.