Why Your Car’s Ignition Lock Isn’t Working
An ignition lock is a security feature that stops your car from starting until you have the original key. It gets triggered when you use the wheel to provide support while getting out or in your vehicle or touch it while parked.
It could also be caused through vandalism or theft. If you’re having trouble turning your key, these simple fixes could aid:
The ignition switch is the ignition
The ignition switch is a tiny piece of your car that’s essential to drive it. It’s the first things you turn on your car and also activates nearly all other systems within the car as well. When it fails it can lead to a lot of problems.
Wear and tear is the main cause of a car ignition switch breaking. This can happen with time, particularly when your keychain is being weighed down by other items. You can avoid this by having a separate key for your car and house, and ignition key won’t turn by reducing weight on your keys. Another cause is mechanical issues. It can be difficult to remove or insert the key if the ignition cylinder is not aligned properly. If this is the case you’ll need it replaced.
In addition to these mechanical problems the ignition switch could be failing due to an electrical issue. There may be the smell of smoke or burning when you attempt to start your car. It’s important that you replace it as soon as you can to prevent further damage.
Another reason why you may not be able to start your car is because the ignition switch is stuck in the ON position. This is a security feature that prevents anyone from taking the car key and then starting it. This usually means that you are applying too much pressure to the ignition switch, or your key doesn’t work properly.
In the latter case, you can lubricate the lock to see if it helps. This will remove any dirt particles that may hinder the key from turning, and you can try again. You can also try an lubricant made of silicone, which will help to prevent dirt from building up inside the lock. If you still have trouble trying to move the key and then inserting it once more.
The lock is a cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder of a car is the part that mechanically controls that allows the key to be into the cylinder to start the vehicle. The cylinder is made up of pins that move upwards and downwards to allow the key in and out. The pins are held in place by wafer tumblers. Over time the tumblers can wear out or even break and prevent the key from turning. Eventually, the cylinder can fail completely, resulting in a dead battery and other problems with the car’s start.
The most well-known type is the cylinder lock. The outer shell has a cylindrical hole which houses the plug. The outer shell of a cylinder lock is generally made of steel. The plug is often brass or bronze. Cylinder locks come with different pins that allow them to be locked or unlocked in various ways. Certain cylinder locks come with additional security measures such as a snap-line or additional pins to guard against bumping the lock.
It is possible to refine a tough lock using graphite, but these methods don’t last very long. It is best to replace the ignition lock cylinder. It is as simple as taking off the old cylinder for your ignition lock from your car and replacing it with a new one. New keys will be needed to replace the cylinder.
Standard systems typically cost less than $300 to replace an ignition lock repair near me lock cylinder. Certain vehicles have electronic locks that are more expensive to change. It is crucial that the process of replacing an ignition cylinder be performed by an accredited professional. This is due to removing components that could interfere with the supplemental restraint system (airbags).
You’ll need to unplug the negative battery cables before replacing the battery. This is necessary to prevent an accidental airbag deployment. You will also want to disable the airbag system if your car is equipped with it. Follow all factory instructions. You’ll need reset the anti-theft code after installing the new ignition lock. This will help to prevent your vehicle from being taken. It may require a special tool.
The key
If you turn your key but it fails to start your car, it could be an indication that your ignition lock isn’t working. This is a tiny but crucial component that makes sure only the right key is used to operate your vehicle. It’s a mechanical part that is connected to an electrical component to “read” anti-theft code to allow your vehicle to begin. Over time the key could wear out or cause damage to the wafer tumblers inside the lock cylinder. This can make it difficult to turn.
You can solve the ignition issue in your car by employing a few basic troubleshooting methods. First, check that your key is in the proper position in the shifter and that the indicator on the shifter is pointing at the P (Park) slot. If not, it could cause the vehicle to not start. You may need to check with your dealer to determine what is the cause of the issue.
You can also jiggle the ignition key, but be careful not to apply too much pressure or force. This will help to remove any small damage to the tumblings of the wafer that is preventing it from rotating. If this doesn’t help you, try lubricating it using an lubricant made of silicone.
These lubricants are available at the local auto parts shop. However, you should use a high-quality lubricant to prevent dirt from building up. This will cause more problems later on. If nothing else works, you’ll need to remove the cylinder for ignition and replace it with a new one. This is a straightforward process that DIYers can easily follow with the aid of online guides or auto repair manuals.
If you’ve been recently arrested for the crime of DUI or DWI or DWI, your state may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID). These devices are designed to prevent drunk driving by requiring drivers to breathe into a tube prior to they can begin their vehicle. The device is installed by a certified provider, such as Intoxalock or LifeSafer.
The wiring
In many vehicles the ignition switch as well as lock cylinder are connected by wires. When you insert your key into the ignition the current flows through these wires, and it activates all of the electrical systems in your vehicle. If the electrical system is not working or the switch is stuck in the on position, it could be due to a wire being disconnected. If you are unable to determine the cause of the problem you might need to replace the ignition switch or the cylinder.
Interlocks for Ignition Key Won’t Turn devices
A breathalyzer is an ignition interlock device that has to be installed in your vehicle to satisfy a legal or criminal requirement. Ignition interlocks can detect alcohol-related disorders in drivers by analyzing their breath prior to when the engine of the vehicle is started. If the IID determines that the driver’s BAC is higher than the allowed limit the horn will sound and/or the lights flash, indicating that the driver is able to pull over and test again.
Ignition interlocks are an excellent option for those suffering from alcohol use disorders, as they require that the person blow into a mouthpiece prior to starting the vehicle. They are small and subtle which means they can be concealed from sight to avoid drawing attention. Interlocks for ignition are leasing, not bought and the price can range from $60 to 90 per month.
The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are connected to control all of the electrical parts in your car. The ignition will not work if any of these components is damaged or worn. If you’re experiencing one of these issues, it’s crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible.
If you’re having difficulty starting your vehicle try putting the key in neutral or park, and then turning it. If it doesn’t work, you might need to disconnect the battery and remove the airbag to get access to the ignition switch. This is often a simple task, but it will require an instrument to pull the steering wheel or a GM key removal tool and both can be rented through AutoZone’s loan-a-tool program for free.