20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

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

The pins of the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly with a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral but it doesn’t turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, it may be an issue with the transmission shifter switch. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the car into the gear.

If the car doesn’t turn, the problem could be with the neutral safety cable or shifter in the transmission. This can be easily solved by a mechanic or by an auto locksmith in your area.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting wafers to slide into the proper position.

Lint from your pocket and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can build up on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the key with the help of a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow. You should also use a spare key to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.

You could also tap the key with a small hammer when it’s in the ignition. This can cause a slight vibration that could cause enough vibration to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide into the right position. You should be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you should contact a locksmith to test it out. The key could be damaged inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it completely. If the issue is with the key the locksmith can create a new key for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought into a repair shop to get it replaced. These issues are generally simple to solve.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to not turn. It could happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while resting it against their body. It can also happen when a passenger in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

This is a simple fix that doesn’t require going to the mechanic or locksmith. First, make sure the shifter is either in Park or Neutral. If it isn’t, simply push or pull the shifter until it moves into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.

If the wheel is not 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. You can easily disengage this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the key, or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is using a spare key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has worn out and is no more able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create an alternative key.

If the key still doesn’t engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Just apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this doesn’t help, you may need to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you are unable to get your key to turn on the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You may also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it aids.

It’s possible that the internal lock pins aren’t working properly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, you can try putting it into the ignition and gently pulling it out. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving within. If you don’t feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into position when you insert the key and keep them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has become damaged or worn out and isn’t able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder in the ignition to not turn and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you’ll have to take your car to an auto locksmith ignition replacement repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you’re able to turn the car using an extra key and you’ve ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an hammer (not the head). Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder can free it to allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing then you’ll need your lock’s cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. Often times, it gets covered in debris or is the result of wear and tear. You can try squirting 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 very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you do this, Car Ignition Locked make sure that the car’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 park or neutral and prevent the key from turning in the ignition.

If you’ve tried all of the above and still can’t get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct steps.

This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you’ll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in the position.

After you have removed the cover, you’ll need to remove the old lost ignition key cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they are identical. After this step you can then install the new ignition cylinder the same manner that you did with the old one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that if this happens you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly, so that your car can start again.