A Delightful Rant About Car Ignition Lock Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition may be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer inside. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to put the vehicle into gear.

If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable or the shifter in the transmission. This can be easily solved by a mechanic or a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder can also wear out. Over time both the ignition and key may wear out making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.


The key could get clogged with lint from your pockets as well as adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem try cleaning the key using a cloth or using an instrument cleaner, such as Triflow. You can also try a spare key to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

When car ignition lock is in ignition, you can tap it using a an hammer that is small. This will create a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition, allowing them to slide into position. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to call a locksmith to check the issue. The key might be broken in the cylinder of ignition, or it might be the time to replace it all. A locksmith can make an alternative key if the issue is the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, your car must be taken into a repair shop to have it repaired. These issues are usually simple to repair.

Examine the Steering Wheel

A common issue that can hinder the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. It can happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It can also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

This is a quick fix that doesn't involve an appointment with a mechanic or locksmith. First, ensure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also important 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 usually indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the key or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply excessive force since this could damage the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to deactivate the lock. This could mean that the original key is worn out and no longer able to engage 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 doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it might aid. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this does not work, you'll probably need to visit a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

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

It's possible that the lock pins inside aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, you can put it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, as they should. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you could lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This should allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and keep them from becoming stuck.

It could be 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 ignition cylinder to not turn and stop you from starting your vehicle. If this happens you'll need take your vehicle to repair or locksmith shop for service.

If you are able to turn your vehicle with a spare key and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of an hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn't work will happen, you'll have to get your lock cylinder changed by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. Most of the time, it gets covered in debris or as due to wear and wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward.

You can also use the small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be cautious not to overdo it as you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. Many modern cars have an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park that can stop the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you have tried these steps and your key doesn't turn, it's possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which 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 holding 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 essential to compare the new one you have purchased with the previous one to make sure they are an identical match. Once this is done, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition can become damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that if this happens, you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you choose the right replacement and ensure it is installed correctly to ensure that your vehicle will start again.