Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are several reasons why your ignition in your car may be locked. The key may be dirty or may have a damaged wafer in it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.
Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
If your car is in Park or neutral, but doesn’t come on when you insert the key into the ignition, there might be a problem with the shifter switch on the transmission. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter upwards or down to get the vehicle into the gear.
If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable or the shifter on the transmission. This can be easily solved by a mechanic, or a local automotive locksmith.
The ignition cylinder may also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key can wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant can solve this issue by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into the place.
The key could get clogged with 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 keys with an old cloth or using a cleaner like Triflow. Also, you can make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the ignition or car ignition lock the ignition.
When the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with an hammer that is small. This will create a tiny vibration that could be enough to loosen the ignition’s wafers and let them slide into place. However, you should be cautious not to harm the ignition cylinder or the key. cylinder.
If all of the above solutions fail, it’s likely to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it looked at. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the whole thing. Locksmiths can make a replacement key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought to a repair shop in order to get it replaced. These issues are generally simple to fix.
Check the steering wheel
A simple issue that could prevent the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel when they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It could also happen if a passenger in the back seat is unable to stop it when they climb out of the car.
This is a simple solution that doesn’t require going to the mechanic or locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it’s not then gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning 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. A small “Lock’ label is usually located in the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is important not to use too much force, as it could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.
A spare key can be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and is 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 create a replacement key.
If the new key still won’t engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could help. Apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this does not work, you may need to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They will be able to give you a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, in the event that it is required.
Check the Key
If you’re unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it’s possible that something is wrong with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.
It could be that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test an extra key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after having put it in. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving inside. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
A more serious problem with your key may be that it has become damaged or worn out and is unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning and stop you from starting your vehicle. In this instance you’ll need to take your car ignition switch replacement to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.
If you can turn your car using a spare key, and you’ve ruled out any issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this does not work, you will 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 of place when you insert it. It is often covered in debris or is a result of regular wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.
You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the cylinder for ignition, in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo it or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.
It is essential to ensure that your car’s gearbox is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. Many newer cars come with a system which locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.
If you have tried these steps and your key doesn’t turn, it’s possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to remember that different vehicles will require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.
Generally, this involves taking off the plastic cover that is placed 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 remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.
Once the cover has been removed, you’ll need to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you’ll have to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to make sure that they’re identical. After this you can then install the new ignition cylinder the same way that you did with the old one.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition can become damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help select the best replacement and then install it properly so that your car ignition lock can start again.