Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key might be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

The pins of the lock cylinder could also be 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 if the vehicle is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is turned on. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter up or down to get the vehicle into gear.

If it's not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key can wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, could 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, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner, such as Triflow to resolve 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, when it's in the ignition. This will create a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide into place. However, you should be cautious not to scratch the key or the ignition cylinder.

If all of the above options are unsuccessful, it's time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. The key might be broken inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it altogether. If the issue is with the key, a locksmith ignition replacement cost can create a new one for you. If the ignition cylinder is the problem, you will need to bring the car ignition barrel replacement to a repair shop for it to be replaced. These problems are usually easy to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A simple issue that could hinder the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. This can happen if the driver accidentally engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle and is usually caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it with their hands. It could also happen when someone in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle.

This is a quick fix that doesn't involve a trip to the locksmith ignition replacement cost or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked taking a look at the steering column will tell whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is typically marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the key or pulling it back with moderate force. It is essential not to use too much force as it could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has damaged and no capable of engaging the wafers that make up 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 still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this doesn't work, you will probably need to visit an expert at your local auto dealership. They can provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn 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 may also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

It could be that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, try placing it in the ignition and gently removing it. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If not, you could 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.

It could be that your key has worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your vehicle. If this happens, you will need to take your car to repair ignition lock cylinder or locksmith shop for service.

If you are able to turn your car using a spare key, and you have ruled out any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of the Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will release it to allow you to turn your car key. If this is not working it is necessary to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

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

You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo it or you could cause serious damage to the ignition key replacement cost switch.

Before you try this, make sure the car key ignition problems's gearbox is set to neutral or park. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This will stop the ignition key from being turned.

If you've tried all of the above and still cannot get your key to turn it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is essential to follow the correct steps.

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

Once the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they're identical. After this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same way that you did with the old one.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it's advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car can be started again.