The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Car Ignition Lock Should Know How To Answer

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. The key may be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

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

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. This can be easily solved by moving the switch up or down to get the car into the gear.

If the car still won't turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable, or the transmission shifter. They can be fixed by a mechanic, or a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. Over time the ignition as well as the key can become worn out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.

Lint from your pocket and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can also build up on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue you can try cleaning the key using an old cloth or using an instrument cleaner, like Triflow. You should also make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the ignition or the ignition.

While the key is in ignition, you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will cause a small vibration, which could be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide in the right position. You must be cautious not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. It could be that the key is damaged in the ignition, or it could be time to replace the whole thing. A locksmith can make a replacement key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, the vehicle is required to be brought to a repair shop to have it replaced. These issues are usually simple to solve.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle and is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themself against it using their hands. It can also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.

Luckily, this is an easy fix that does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it shifts into one of these positions. It's also important 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 whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually identified 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 apply too much force as this could damage the key or break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

A spare key can be used to unengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and is no longer 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 design an appropriate replacement key.

If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it could help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this doesn't work, you will likely need to see a specialist at your local auto dealership. They'll be able to provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key may be damaged if it doesn't turn in the ignition. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids.

If the pins in the lock aren't moving properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key to test, you can try placing it in the ignition, then gently sliding it back out. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, you could lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This should allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key, and also prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue is that it has become damaged or worn out and is unable to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. In this case you'll need to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you're able to turn your car ignition locked using an extra key, and you've ruled out any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder can often release it and allow you to turn your key and start your car. If this does nothing, 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 removed when it is inserted. It is prone to getting blocked with debris, or just wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

Before you attempt this, ensure that the gearbox of your car 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 park or neutral that can stop the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you have done all of this and still not able to get your key to turn it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder needs replacement. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is essential to follow the correct procedures.

This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners that hold it in place.

After removing the cover, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are the same. Once this is done the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition will be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact Tempe Locksmith Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and then install it correctly, car Ignition locked so that your car can be started again.