Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your ignition might be stuck. The key could be dirty or have a broken wafer inside it. You can fix it by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral but it doesn't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there could be a problem with the shifter switch for the transmission. You can fix this by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to put the car into gear.

If the car still won't turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable, or the shifter in the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily solve these problems.

The ignition cylinder may also wear out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key may wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can solve this problem, allowing the wafers slide into place.

The filth from your pockets and adhesive from 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 using a cloth, or a cleaner, such as Triflow to resolve this issue. It is also recommended to use a spare key to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition.

When the key is in the ignition you can tap it using a a small piece of hammer. This will cause a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide in place. You should be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or key.

If none of the above work, you should consult a locksmith for help in figuring it out. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the issue then you'll have to take your car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. These issues are usually simple to fix.

Examine the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen when a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel as they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they get out of the vehicle.

This is a straightforward solution that doesn't require going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or turn on the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will show if the key has been engaged with the lock. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much force, as this could cause damage to the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key can be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and is no longer able to engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that 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 of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this does not work you, it's possible to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They'll be able provide you with a replacement key and also replace the ignition cylinder if necessary.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key has been damaged if it does not turn in the ignition. Try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it can help.

If the pins within the lock do not move properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, you can try putting it into the ignition and gently removing it. This should allow you to be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, as they should. If you don't feel any movement, you can grease them with graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes which can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.

A more serious issue with your key could be that it has become worn or damaged and is unable to engage the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder in the lost ignition key to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your car ignition switch repair. In this situation, you'll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you are able to turn your car with a spare key and you have eliminated any problems with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has been worn out. It is possible 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 can often release it, allowing you to turn your key and start your car. If this is not working then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key slides in and out of place when inserted. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or as a result of regular wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also make use of a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be very cautious not to overdo this or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

It is essential to ensure whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral that can stop the key from turning in the van ignition repair.

If you have tried all of these steps and your key doesn't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is crucial to follow the correct steps.

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

After the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. It is then important to check the new one that you bought with the old one to ensure that they're the same. Following this step, you can install the new ignition and key replacement cylinder in exactly the same way as the previous one.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, an ignition could be damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle can be started again.