Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your ignition could be stuck. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be corrected by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.

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

Check the Battery

The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning if the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is turned on. This can be solved by moving the switch up or down to get the car into gear.

If the car Ignition lock doesn't turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable, or the shifter in the transmission. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily solve these issues.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting the wafers to slide into place.

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow to resolve this problem. You should also use a spare key to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition.

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

If all of the above solutions fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it looked at. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can create an alternative key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, your car must be taken into a repair shop to have it replaced. These problems are usually easy to solve.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. It could happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel as they exit or car Ignition lock enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel and holding it against their body. It may also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.

Fortunately, this is an easy fix that does not require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked a quick look at the steering column will reveal whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is important not to use too much force, as this could cause damage to the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and is no longer able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design an alternative key.

If the new key still does not engage, a short spray of penetrating oil can assist. Apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this isn't working, you'll probably need to visit a specialist at your local auto dealership. They'll be able provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder should it be necessary.

Check the Key

It could be that your key may be damaged if it will not turn in the ignition. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.

It's possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, you can try putting it into the ignition and gently removing it. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins move inside. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into position when you insert the key, and prevent them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem is that it is worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins inside the van ignition repair cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, and prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case you'll need take your vehicle to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you're able to turn the vehicle with an extra key and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the mobile ignition lock repair services cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of an Hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder will often free it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this doesn't work will happen, you'll have to get your lock's cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and slides out of position when it is inserted. Often times, it gets filled with debris or simply a result of regular wear and wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

You can also make use of a small hammer to gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo this or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, make sure the gearbox of your car ignition switch is in neutral or park. Many modern cars have the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you have done all of this and still cannot get your key to turn, it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles will require 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 have to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. 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 necessary to compare the new one you bought with the original one to make sure they are an identical match. After this is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the previous one.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended to contact Tempe Locksmith Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and car Ignition Lock install it properly, so that your car can be started again.