9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. You can fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.
Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. This can be solved by moving the switch upwards or downwards to get the car into the correct gear.
If it's not turning, the problem could be due to the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. This can be easily solved by a mechanic or by an auto locksmith in your area.
The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. Over time, both the ignition and key can become worn out and become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can solve this problem, allowing the wafers slide into place.
The key may become blocked with lint in your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. You can also try a spare key to determine if the problem is with the ignition or the key.
While the key is in the ignition you can tap it using a a small piece of hammer. This can cause a small vibration that might be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition lock repair services which will allow them to slide in place. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or key.
If none of the above work, you need to consult a locksmith for help in figuring it out. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition, or it could be time to replace the whole thing. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the cause, you will need to take the car ignition lock - rivas-robbins.federatedjournals.com - to a repair shop for it to be replaced. Fortunately, these issues are typically very simple to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. This happens if the driver is unable to engage it when they exit or enter the vehicle and is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It could also happen when someone in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.
Luckily it's an easy fix and doesn't require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it's not then gently pull or push the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.
If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column will reveal if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower area of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the lock or pulling on it with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much force as this could cause damage to the key or even cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.
A spare key can be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the original key is worn out and no more able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design a replacement key.
If the new key does not engage, a short spray of oil that penetrates can help. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then jiggle or tap it lightly until it starts to work. If this doesn't help you, you might need to consult a specialist in your local car ignition barrel replacement dealership. They can supply you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.
Check the Key
If you're unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. You can try taking off any foreign material on 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 it aids.
It's possible that the lock pins inside aren't working properly when you insert the key. You can test the spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition after you insert it. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins move inside. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you could apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.
It could be that your key has worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.
If you are able to turn your car on with a spare key, and you've ruled out any problems with the battery or steering wheel, it is possible that the ignition cylinder lock repair cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver, or the handle of a 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 doesn't work then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced 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. It can get clogged up with dust, or simply wear and 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 the small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition to try to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.
Before you do this, ensure that the car ignition replacement's gearbox is set to neutral or park. Many newer cars come with a system which locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.
If you've tried all of these steps and your key doesn't turn, it could be that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, so it is crucial to follow the correct procedure.
Generally speaking, this involves taking off the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.
After the cover has been removed, you'll need to take the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are the same. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same way that you did with the old one.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that when this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and install it properly, so that your car can be started again.