5 Laws That Will Help The Car Ignition Lock Industry

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside it. This can be repaired by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

The pins of the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when the key is inserted into the ignition, there might be a problem with the transmission shifter switch. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter upwards or downwards to get the car into gear.

If the car still won't turn, the problem could be related to the neutral safety cable or shifter in the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or an auto locksmith in your area.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. In time, both the ignition and key can wear out making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting wafers to slide into place.

The key can become clogged with lint in your pockets as well as adhesive from tape used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the lost ignition key. To solve this problem try cleaning the key with a cloth or using a cleaner, like Triflow. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This can cause a slight vibration, which could be enough to loosen up the ignition's wafers and let them slide into place. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you should call a locksmith to check it out. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition lock repair, or it could be time to replace the whole thing. A locksmith can make an alternate key if the issue is with the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the car is required to be brought into a repair shop to get it replaced. Fortunately, these issues are typically very simple to solve.

Check the steering wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. This occurs when the driver is unable to engage it when they exit or enter the vehicle and is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it using their hands. It may also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.

Fortunately, this is an easy fix ignition switch and doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick check 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 in the lower area of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling the key or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much pressure as this could cause damage to the key, or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is using a spare key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. If this is the case the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make a replacement key.

If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it could help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this doesn't work, you will probably need to visit an expert at your local dealership for cars. They can provide you with a replacement key and also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it's possible that something is wrong with your key. You can try removing any foreign material from the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this helps.

If the pins inside the lock do not move properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key to test, try placing it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving within. If not, apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue with your key could be that it has worn or damaged and is unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car. In this situation you'll have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you're able to turn your car using an extra key, and you have eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be that the ignition cylinder is been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock using an abrasive screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Don't use the head. Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your car. If this doesn't work then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and removed when you insert it. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also make use of a small hammer to gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder to try to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, make sure your car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. Many newer cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This can prevent the ignition lock repair key from being turned.

If you've tried these steps and your key doesn't turn, it's possible that the ignition cylinder lock repair housing needs to be replaced. It is important to know that different vehicles require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.

After removing the cover you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they are the same. After this is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same way as the old one.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, an ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call 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.