A Productive Rant About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. This can be corrected by sliding the key into 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 gently 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, it could be a problem with the transmission shifter switch. This can be solved by moving the switch up or down to get the car into gear.

If the car ignition replacement near me still won't turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable, or the transmission shifter. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time, the ignition cylinder replacement near me as well as the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting wafers to slide into place.

The filth from your pockets 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. To fix this issue, you can try cleaning the keys with the help of a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the issue is the ignition or the key.

You can also tap the key with a small hammer, while it's in the ignition. This will cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen the ignition's wafers and let them slide into place. However, you should be careful not to damage the key or the ignition cylinder.

If none of the suggestions above works, you must call a locksmith to check 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 make an alternative key if the problem is with the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle must be taken to a repair shop to have it repaired. These problems are usually easy to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A common issue that can stop the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while holding it against their body. It can also happen if someone in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they get out of the vehicle.

This is a straightforward solution that doesn't require an appointment with a locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not then gently pull or push the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick check of the steering column will confirm that the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition cylinder lock repair circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much force, as this could cause damage to the key or even tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

A spare key can be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and no longer able engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.

If the key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it 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 dealership. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it is possible that something is wrong with your key. Try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You could also try alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it aids.

It's possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, put it in the ignition and gently pulling it out. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving inside. If you don't feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has become damaged or worn which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this instance you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.

If you are able to turn your car using an extra key, and you've ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will release it to allow you to turn your car key. If this is not working then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder 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 covered in debris or simply a result of regular wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.

You can also use a small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check that your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. Many newer cars have an option to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you've done all of this but cannot get your key to turn it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally, this means removal of the plastic cover which is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel in 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 important to check the new one you bought with the original one to ensure that they are an identical match. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in exactly the same way as the previous one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition will become damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that if this happens you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you select the proper replacement and install it properly to ensure that your car will be able to start up again.