The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key could be dirty or may have a damaged wafer in it. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.

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

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral, but won't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there may be a problem with the transmission shifter switch. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter up or down to get the vehicle into the gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable or the transmission shifter. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

It's also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. In time the ignition as well as the key may wear out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant like silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting wafers to slide into the proper position.

The key may become blocked with lint in your pockets as well as adhesive from tape used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. You could also test a spare key to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

You can also try to tap the key using a small hammer when it's in the ignition. This can cause a slight vibration, which could cause enough vibration to loosen the ignition's wafers and allow them to slide in the right position. However, you must be careful not to scratch the key or the ignition cylinder.

If all of the above options fail, it's likely to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it examined. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition or it could be time to replace it completely. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith can create a new key for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the cause, you will need to bring the car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. Fortunately, these issues are typically very simple to solve.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A simple issue that could hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen when a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they exit the car.

This is a straightforward fix that doesn't require going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the shifter is either in Park or neutral. 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 activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked a quick look at the steering column will show whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is essential not to use too much pressure as this can damage the key or damage 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 may indicate that the original key has worn out and is no more able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the situation then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create an alternative key.

If the new key isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn't help you, it's possible to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They will be able to give you a new key, and will 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 in the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). You could also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

If the pins within the lock aren't moving in a proper manner when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after you insert it. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, which they ought to. If not, you could grease the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue with your key could be that it has become damaged or worn and is unable to engage the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. If this happens, you will need to take your vehicle to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you are able to turn your car ignition lock with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently can often release it, allowing you to turn your key and start your Car ignition Lock. If this doesn't work then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. It is prone to getting blocked with debris, or just 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 ignition cylinder to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you attempt this, make sure that the car's gearbox is in neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park and prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you've done all of the above and still cannot get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, so it is important 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 have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners holding it in place.

After you have removed the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to check the new one you bought with the original one to ensure that they're the same. After this step is completed the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed.

Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that when this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will help you select the proper replacement and install it properly to ensure that your car can start again.