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 may be dirty or may have a damaged wafer inside it. This can be repaired by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.
The pins of the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is switched on. This can be repaired by moving the shifter upwards or downwards to get the car into the gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the problem could be with the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily fix these issues.
The ignition cylinder may also wear out. In time both the ignition and key may wear out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can solve this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.
The key may become blocked with lint in your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner, such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You may also test a spare key to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.
While the key is in ignition you can tap it using a the hammer with a small amount. This will cause a slight vibration that could cause enough friction to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide into place. However, you must be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or the key. cylinder.
If all of the above options fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition or it could be time to replace it altogether. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the ignition cylinder is the problem then you'll have to take your car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to solve.
Check the Steering Wheel
A simple problem that can prevent the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. It could happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they get out of the vehicle.
This is a simple solution that doesn't require a trip to the 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 is also essential to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.
If the wheel isn't locked, a quick look at the steering column will reveal if the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock label can be located in the lower area of the ignition and key replacement circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure since it could damage the key, or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.
A spare key may also be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the situation then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an appropriate replacement key.
If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could help. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition, and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work, you'll likely need to see an expert at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder if needed.
Check the Key
If you are unable get your key to turn on the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You may also try alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.
If the pins inside the lock do not move correctly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, try putting it in the ignition and gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving within. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.
It is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car. 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 ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to unlock the lock with an abrasive screwdriver or handle of the hammer. Don't use the head. Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder will release it up and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this doesn't work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place where your key slides in and out when it is inserted. Often times, it gets covered in debris or as a result of regular wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.
You can also make use of a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it as you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.
Before you try this, make sure that the gearbox of your car is in neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park and prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.
If you've tried all of the above and still not able to get your key to rotate, it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. It is important to know that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.
This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners holding it in the position.
After removing the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they're identical. After this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same way as the old one.
It is possible that, despite our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your Car Ignition lock can start again.