9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

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

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to gently tap 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 doesn't start when the key is switched on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter upwards or downwards to get the car ignition replacement in gear.

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

It's also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key can wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant can help solve this problem by allowing the wafers slide into place.

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can also build up 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 fix this issue. You could also try a spare key in order to determine if the problem is the key or ignition.

When the key is in ignition you can tap it with the hammer with a small amount. This will cause a slight vibration that might cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition, allowing them to slide into place. Be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you should contact a locksmith to test it out. The key may be damaged within the cylinder for ignition or it could be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can make an alternative key if the problem is with the key. If the issue is related to the ignition cylinder, the car is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it repaired. Fortunately, these issues are usually very easy to solve.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. This happens if the driver has a mistake and engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It can also happen if a passenger in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle.

This is a simple solution that doesn't require a trip to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in Neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it shifts into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake button or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick examination of the steering column should determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually located in 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 to not apply too much pressure since this can damage the key or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and is no longer able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.

If the new key still isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can assist. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and inserted keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn't help you, it's possible to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key, and will also replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary.

Check the Key

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

If the pins within the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test an extra key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have put it in. This should let you hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you can lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be put into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into position when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.

It is possible that your key has become worn out or damaged and isn't able to connect with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this case you'll have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you're able to turn the car with a spare key, and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to unlock the lock by using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Do not use the head. Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will release it to allow you to turn your car ignition lock key. If this doesn't work then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when you insert it. It could get blocked with debris, or simply wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

You can also use the small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Again, be very careful not to overdo this or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

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

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

Generally, this means removal of the plastic cover which is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that are holding it in the position.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you will 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 then install the new ignition cylinder the same manner that you did with the old one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it is advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can assist you choose the right replacement and install it correctly so that your vehicle can restart.