10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition could be stuck. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be fixed 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 make use of a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is switched on. This can be easily repaired by moving the shifter up or down to put the car into the correct gear.

If it is still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. This can be easily solved by a mechanic or by a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder may also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can address this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint from your pockets as well as adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. You should also make use of a spare key to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer, while it's in the ignition. This will cause a slight vibration that could cause enough friction to loosen the wafers inside the ignition which will allow them to slide into place. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder or the key.

If all of the above solutions are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it examined. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. A locksmith can make an alternate key in the event that the issue is the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A common issue that can prevent the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. It could happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel while they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel while resting it against their body. It may also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

Fortunately it's an easy fix car ignition that doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure the shifter 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 inspection of the steering column will confirm that the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling it or pulling on it with moderate force. It is essential not to apply excessive force since this could damage the key or even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the original key has damaged and no more able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the case, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create a replacement key.

If the new key won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can aid. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to get it working. If this does not work you, you might need to consult a specialist in your local car Ignition lock dealership. They'll 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 may be damaged if it doesn't turn on. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this aids.

If the pins inside the lock do not move properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test the spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition after you put it in. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving within. If you don't feel any movement, you could apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck.

It is possible that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to connect with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition key replacement to not to turn, which can prevent you from starting your car. In this situation you'll have to take your car to an auto repair ignition lock cylinder shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you can turn your car using an extra 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 loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of the Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this is not working it is necessary to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. It is often filled with debris or as due to 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 in order to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, make sure that the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with an option to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park and prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.

If you've done all of this but can't get your key to rotate it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct steps.

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

After the cover has been removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then important to compare the new one that you bought with the previous one to make sure they are a perfect match. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same way as the previous one.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. It is recommended that when this happens you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can be started again.