The Most Significant Issue With Car Ignition Lock And What You Can Do To Fix It Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your ignition might be stuck. The key may be dirty or may have a damaged wafer in it. ignition lock repair can be repaired 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 on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when you insert the key into the ignition, it could be an issue with the shifter switch for the transmission. This can be repaired by moving the shifter up or down to put the car in the correct gear.

If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable, or the transmission shifter. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or a local locksmith for cars.

The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key will wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, could solve this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.

The key can become clogged with lint in your pockets as well as adhesive from tape used to secure packages. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To fix this issue try cleaning the key with the help of a cloth or an instrument cleaner, like Triflow. You can also try a spare key in order to determine if the issue is the ignition or the key.


You can also tap the key using a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This can cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition which will allow them to slide into position. You should be careful not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above options fail, it's likely to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. The key could be damaged inside the ignition cylinder, or it might be the time to replace it all. A locksmith can make an alternative key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the cylinder in the ignition is the issue then you'll need to take the vehicle to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A common issue that can prevent the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. This happens if the driver has a mistake and engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while supporting themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if someone 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 and does not require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves 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 is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column should confirm that the key is connected to the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually found in the lower portion the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the lock or pulling on it with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force, as this could damage the key or even cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another option is to use an additional key to determine whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key is worn out and no longer able to engage the wafers inside 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 penetrating lubricant it could aid. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to get it working. If this isn't working, you'll probably need to visit a specialist at your local auto dealer. They'll be able provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder, should it be necessary.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key is damaged if it does not turn on. 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 within the lock aren't moving correctly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have a spare key to test, you can try placing it into the ignition and gently removing it. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving inside. If not, apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. In this case you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance.

If you're able to turn your car using a spare key and you have ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder is been worn out. You can try to unlock the lock with a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Don't use the head. Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder will release it to allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does nothing, you'll need to have your lock cylinder changed by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or simply a result of regular wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.

You can also employ a small hammer and 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 this, or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

Before you do this, make sure the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. A lot of newer cars come with an option to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral that can stop the key from turning in the ignition.

If you've done all of this but not able to get your key to rotate it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

This usually involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners holding it in place.

Once the cover is removed, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one you removed to make sure that they are identical. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same way that the previous one was removed.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition could be damaged and require to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car will be able to start up again.