Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. You can fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when the key is inserted into the ignition, there might be a problem with the shifter switch for the transmission. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter up or down to get the car into 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 by a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. In time, both the ignition and key can become worn out, making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting the wafers to slide into the proper position.

The filth from your pockets and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build up on the key, preventing it from being able to slide into the ignition. To solve this problem try cleaning the keys with a cloth or using an instrument cleaner, such as Triflow. You could also try a spare key in order to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.

When the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a the hammer with a small amount. This will cause a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition, allowing them to slide into position. But, be cautious not to scratch the ignition key or cylinder.

If all of the above solutions fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to examine the issue. The key might be broken in the cylinder of ignition or it could be time to replace it completely. A locksmith can make an alternative key if the issue is the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle will need to be brought to a repair shop in order to get it replaced. These problems are usually easy to solve.

Examine the Steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel as they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It can also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle.

This is a simple fix that doesn't require going to the mechanic or locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually found in the lower portion the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it back with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force, as 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 disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn 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 design a replacement key.

If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can assist. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn't work, you will likely have to visit a specialist at your local auto dealership. They will be able to provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key has been damaged if it will not turn on. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.

If the pins within the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have a spare key to test, you can try putting it in the ignition, then gently sliding it back out. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins move inside. If you don't feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and will prevent them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, preventing you from starting your vehicle. If this happens you'll need take your vehicle to an auto locksmith or repair shop for repair ignition lock cylinder.

If you can turn your car using a spare key, and you have eliminated any issues with the battery or steering wheel, it is possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of the Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently can often release it and allow you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this is not working then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out of place when you insert it. Most of the time, it gets gunked up with debris or is the result of wear and wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward.

You can also make use of a small hammer to gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder, to try to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, make sure the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. Many newer cars come with an electronic system that locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you have done all of this but not able to get your key to rotate it is likely that the housing of your ignition key replacement cost cylinder is in need of replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles will require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners holding it in place.

After the cover has been removed, you'll have to take the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they are the same. After this step is completed, the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car ignition switch replacement can start again.