Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your ignition might be stuck. The key could be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. It is possible to fix the issue by moving the gear shifter up or downward to get the vehicle into gear.

If it is still not turning, the issue may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily fix these issues.

The ignition lock repair cylinder may also be worn out. In time both the ignition and key can become worn out, making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, can solve this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.

The key could get clogged with lint in your pockets and adhesive from tape used to hold packages together. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the keys with a cloth or using a cleaner, such as Triflow. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.

When the key is in the ignition you can tap it using a the hammer with a small amount. This can cause a slight vibration, which could cause enough vibration to loosen the ignition's wafers and let them slide into the right position. Be careful not to scratch the ignition key replacement cost cylinder or key.

If all of the above methods fail, it's likely to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it looked at. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition or it could be time to replace it completely. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the ignition and key replacement cylinder is the issue then you'll need to take the vehicle to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. These problems are usually easy to fix.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. It can happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel while resting it against their body. It could also happen if a passenger in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they get out of the vehicle.

Luckily it's a simple fix car ignition that does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in Neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes into one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick inspection of the steering column will confirm that the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is typically identified by a small "Lock" label on the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the key, or even damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

Another option is to use a spare key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key if this is the case.

If the key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it may aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this doesn't work, you may need to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

If you are unable to get your key to turn on the ignition, it's possible that something is wrong with your key. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

If the pins in the lock do not move correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, put it in the ignition and gently pulling it out. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, grease the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue is that it is damaged or worn out and is unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning and stop you from starting your car. If this is the case you'll need to take your car to a locksmith or repair shop for assistance.

If you can turn your car using a spare key and you have ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver, or the handle of the 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 doesn't work, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and slides out of place when you insert it. It is prone to getting blocked with debris, or just wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward.

You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the interior of the cylinder for ignition, to try to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo this, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

It is essential to ensure whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. Many newer cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you've tried all of this but cannot get your key to rotate it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles will require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then unscrew any fasteners that hold it in place.

Once the cover is removed, you'll need 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 make sure that they are the same. After this you can then install the new ignition cylinder exactly the same way that you did with the old one.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition could be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle will be able to start up again.