Lets-Get-It-Out-Of-The-Way-15-Things-About-Car-Ignition-Lock-Were-Tired-Of-Hearing-u
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons your car ignition may be locked. The key might be dirty or may have a damaged wafer inside it. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.
Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is turned on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to get the car into the correct gear.
If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable or the shifter on the transmission. They can be fixed by a mechanic or a local automotive locksmith.
The ignition cylinder could also wear out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.
The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tape that holds packages together can build up on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. Also, you can utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is with the ignition 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 small vibration, which may be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition and let them slide into the right position. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder or the key.
If all of the above options are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can make a new one for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the cause, you will need to take the car to a repair shop for it to be replaced. These problems are usually easy to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A common issue that can prevent the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This can happen if the driver accidentally engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while balancing themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they exit the car.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix that doesn't require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, make sure ignition lock repair is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.
If the wheel isn't locked a quick look at the steering column will reveal whether the key has been engaged with the lock. This is usually marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling it or pulling on it with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much force, as this could damage the key or even cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.
A spare key can also be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and no longer able 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 key doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it may aid. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this doesn't help, you may need to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.
Check the Key
If you are unable get your key to turn on the ignition, it's possible that there is a problem with your key. You can try getting rid of any foreign material that is on 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 aids.
It's possible that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, you can try placing it in the ignition, then gently sliding it back out. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving inside. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into place when you insert the key, and prevent them from becoming stuck.
A more serious issue with your key may be that it is damaged or worn out, making it unable to connect the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, which can prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this case you'll have to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.
If you are able to turn your car with a spare key and you've ruled out any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder is been worn out. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of an hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will often free it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this is not working then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced 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 spray some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.
You can also use a small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to try to loosen or reset pins that are out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.
Before you attempt this, make sure that the car's gearbox is in neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with the ability to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park and prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.
If you have tried these steps but your key is still unable to turn, it's possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct procedure.
This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.
After removing the cover you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to compare the new one that you bought with the previous one to ensure that they are an identical match. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same manner as the old one.
It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended that you contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help you select the best replacement and install it correctly so that your vehicle can restart.
