11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.
Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer.
Check the Battery
If your car is in Park or neutral, but won't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there could be an issue with the shifter switch on the transmission. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter upwards or down to put the car into the correct gear.
If it's still not turning, the problem could be related to the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily fix car ignition these problems.
It's also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. In time, both the ignition and key may wear out making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers to slide into the proper position.
Lint from your pocket and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can also build up on the key, which prevents it from being able to slide into the ignition and key replacement. You can clean the keys with a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. You could also test a spare key to determine if the problem is with the ignition or the key.
When the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a an hammer that is small. This will cause a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide in place. You should be careful not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key.
If none of the suggestions above works, you must contact a locksmith to test the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged in the ignition, or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can create a replacement key if the problem is the key. If the cylinder in the ignition is the problem then you'll need to take the car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. This can happen if the driver is unable to engage it as they exit or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they get out of the vehicle.
Fortunately it's an easy fix and doesn't require a trip locksmiths or mechanics. First, ensure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.
If the wheel isn't locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should reveal if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually found in the lower portion the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force, as it could damage the key or even cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.
A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has worn out and is no more able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.
If the new key still does not engage, a short spray of oil that penetrates can assist. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this isn't working, you'll likely need to see a specialist at your local auto dealer. They will be able to provide you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.
Check the Key
It is possible that your key is damaged if it does 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 helps.
It's possible that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, try placing it into the ignition and gently pulling it out. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving within. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into position when you insert the key, and prevent them from becoming stuck.
It could be that your key has become damaged or worn out and isn't able to work with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to not turn and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this instance you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.
If you are able to turn your car using an extra key, and you have eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock by using the blunt screwdriver or handle of the hammer. Do not use the head. Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will loosen it to allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does not work it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place where your key is inserted and removed when inserted. It is often covered in debris or simply a result of regular wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward.
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 which may be out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
It is crucial to confirm that your car's transmission is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral, which can prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.
If you've tried all of this and still can't get your key to rotate it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing needs replacement. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedure.
This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then remove any fasteners that hold it in place.
After removing the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they're identical. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the old one.
It is possible that despite our best efforts, an ignition may become damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended that you contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can be started again.