9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition might be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer inside. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is turned on. This can be easily solved by moving the switch upwards or downwards to get the car in the gear.

If it is still not turning, the issue could be related to the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can fix these problems.

It's also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key can wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease could solve this problem, allowing the wafers slide into place.

The filth from your pockets and adhesive from tape that holds packages together can build over the key, preventing it from being able to slide into the ignition. Clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner, such as Triflow to fix this problem. You can also test a spare key to determine if the problem is the key or ignition.

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

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. It could be that the key is damaged inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the whole thing. Locksmiths can create an alternative key if the issue is the key. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, the vehicle is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. These issues are generally simple to repair.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle.

This is a simple fix that doesn't require going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it shifts into 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 check of the steering column will confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is typically marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is crucial not to use excessive force since it could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is using a spare key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and no capable of engaging the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create an appropriate replacement key.

If the key does not engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it may aid. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this isn't working, you'll probably need to visit an expert at your local auto dealership. They can supply 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 likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can try removing any foreign material from the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You may also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

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 sliding it out of the ignition once you have put it in. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, as they ought to. If not, grease the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue with your key could be that it is damaged or worn, making it unable to connect the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this instance, you'll need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you can turn your car ignition barrel replacement with a spare key and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of a hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will loosen it and allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn't work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.

You can also make use of a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the cylinder for ignition, in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo it or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, ensure that your car ignition replacement's gearbox is set to neutral or park. Many modern cars have a system that can stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park that can stop the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you have tried all of these methods and your key doesn't turn, it's possible that the lost ignition key housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct procedure.

This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.

Once the cover has been removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you'll need to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are identical. After this step is completed, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same way that the previous one was removed.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that if this happens you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you choose the right replacement and ensure it is installed correctly so that your car Ignition Lock can start again.