9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition in your car may be locked. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. You can fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

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

Check the Battery

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

If the car doesn't turn, the problem could be with the neutral safety cable, or the shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has 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 solve this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into the proper position.

The key may become blocked with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to secure packages. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow to fix this issue. You may also try a spare key to determine if the problem is with the ignition or the key.

You can also tap the key with a small hammer when it's in the ignition. This will create a tiny vibration, which could be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and let them slide into place. But, be careful not to damage the key or the ignition cylinder.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to call a locksmith to check it out. The key may be damaged in the cylinder of ignition or it could be time to replace it altogether. Locksmiths can make an alternative key if the problem is with the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, your car is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it repaired. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition lock repair to stop turning. It could happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel while they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel and being able to hold it against their body. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.

This is a straightforward fix that doesn't require going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the gear shift is in Neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it moves into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or car Ignition lock press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked an inspection of the steering column will reveal whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure, as it could damage the key, or even break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use an additional key to determine whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the new key isn't engaging, a quick spray of penetrating oil could help. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then jiggle or tap it lightly until it starts to engage. If this does not work you, it's possible to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They can supply you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You could also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

If the pins inside the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have a spare key to test, try putting it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, you could grease the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has become damaged or worn out and isn't able to connect with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, which can prevent you from starting your car Ignition lock. In this case you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.

If you are able to turn your vehicle with a spare key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to unlock the lock using the blunt screwdriver or handle of the hammer. Do not use the head. Tapping the cylinder gently can often release it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this is not working, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out of place when inserted. Often times, it gets covered in debris or is due to wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward.

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

Before you do this, ensure that the gearbox of your car is set to neutral or car ignition lock park. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This will stop the ignition key from being turned.

If you have tried all of these steps and your key still won't turn, it's possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.

After removing the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then important to check the new one that you bought with the previous one to make sure they are an identical match. Once this step is complete, the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can be started again.