10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Car Ignition Lock

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 in it. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.

The pins on the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is switched on. This can be fixed by moving the shifter up or down to get the car in gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable or the transmission shifter. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily solve these issues.

The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

The key may become blocked by lint from your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this issue. You may also test a spare key to determine if the problem is the key or ignition.

When the key is in ignition, you can tap it using a a small piece of hammer. This will create a tiny vibration, which may be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and let them slide into the right position. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to contact a locksmith to test it out. The key might be broken inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it completely. Locksmiths can make an alternate key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, the car must be taken into a repair shop to have it replaced. 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 a locked steering wheel. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themself against it with their hands. It may also happen when a passenger in the back seat is unable to stop it when they climb out of the car.

Luckily it's an easy fix and doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it changes into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column should confirm that the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is crucial not to use excessive force since this could cause damage to the key or even cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use a spare key to see whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key is worn out and no longer able to engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design a replacement key.

If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to get it working. If this does not work you, it's possible to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder in the event that it is required.

Check the Key

If you are unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it is possible that something is wrong with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc.). It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this helps.

It could be that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test an extra key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have put it in. This should let you hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, as they should. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

It could be that your key has become damaged or worn out and isn't able to connect with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, and prevent you from starting your car. In this instance you'll have to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you're able to turn your car with a spare key, and you've ruled out any problems with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock using the blunt screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Do not use the head. Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will loosen it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this is not working then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

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

You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. Many modern cars have a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from turning into the ignition.

If you have tried all of these methods and your key doesn't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the van ignition repair cylinder, so it is important to follow the correct procedure.

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

After removing the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new mobile ignition lock repair services cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they're identical. After this step you can then install the new ignition cylinder the same manner that you did with the old one.

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 will help you select the proper replacement and install it properly, so that your car can start again.