Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are several reasons why your ignition in your car may be locked. The key may be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. You can fix this 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

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

If it's not turning, the issue may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or a local locksmith for cars.

It's also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. In time the ignition as well as the key may wear out making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease could solve this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into the proper position.

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tape that holds packages together can build on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner such as Triflow to resolve this problem. You may also try a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the key.

When the key is in the ignition you can tap it using a a small piece of hammer. This can cause a slight vibration, which could be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide in place. Be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or the key.

If none of the above work, you should call a locksmith to check the issue. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition, or it may be time to replace the whole thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the cause then you'll have to take your Car Ignition Lock to a repair shop for it to be repaired. Fortunately, these issues are generally easy to solve.

Check the steering wheel

A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. This happens if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle and is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while balancing themselves against it with their hands. It can also happen if an individual in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle.

This is a simple solution that doesn't require an appointment with a locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it changes into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column will reveal if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock label can be located in the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much force, as it could damage the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has worn out 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 if this is the case.

If the key doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it could help. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition, and keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does a new ignition switch require a new key not work, you'll likely need to see an expert at your local dealership for cars. They'll be able to provide you with a replacement key, and will also replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary.

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. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). You could also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

It is possible 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, then gently removing it. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving within. If not, lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into position when you insert the key, and will prevent them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to connect with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car. If this happens you'll need take your car to a locksmith or repair shop for service.

If you're able to turn the car with a spare key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to unlock the lock using an abrasive screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Don't use the head. Gently tapping on the cylinder will often free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your car. If this doesn't work it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

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

You can also employ a small hammer and very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you attempt this, ensure that the car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. A lot of newer vehicles come with an option to lock the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you've done all of this but not able to get your key to turn, it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing needs replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally, this involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then remove any fasteners holding it in place.

After removing the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are the same. After this step is completed the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition will become damaged and require replacement. It is suggested that if this happens you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A auto locksmith ignition replacement can help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle can be started again.