Who Is Responsible For The Car Ignition Lock Budget? 12 Best Ways To Spend Your Money Why is My Car Ignition Locked?


There are a variety of reasons your ignition could 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.

The pins of the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. This can be easily solved by moving the switch upwards or downwards to get the car in the gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily solve these issues.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time, both the ignition and key can wear out and become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets as well as adhesive from tape used to secure packages. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow to fix this issue. It is also recommended to make use of a spare key to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This will create a slight vibration that may cause enough friction to loosen the wafers inside the ignition, allowing them to slide in place. You must be cautious not to scratch the ignition cylinder or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged in the ignition, or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. If the issue is with the key, a locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the ignition cylinder is the cause then you'll have to take the car to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. Luckily, these problems are generally easy to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. It could happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel while they exit or get into the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel and resting it against their body. It could also happen when an individual in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle.

Fortunately it's a simple fix that doesn't require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock label is typically found in the lower portion 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 force, as this could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

A spare key can be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design an appropriate replacement key.

If the new key still does not engage, a short spray of penetrating oil could aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this doesn't help, you may need to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

It could be that your key has been damaged if it does not turn on. Try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc.). repair ignition lock cylinder can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this aids.

If the pins in the lock aren't moving properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after you put it in. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move as they ought to. If you don't feel any movement, you could lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This should allow the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and prevent them from becoming 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 could cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation, you'll need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.

If you are able to turn your car using a spare key, and you have ruled out any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of a hammer (not the head). Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder will release it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing, you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. It can get clogged up with debris, or just wear and wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward.

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

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

If you've done all of this and still not able to get your key to rotate, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedures.

This usually involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the 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.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll need to take the old ignition cylinder out of 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 the same. Once this is done, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same way 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 suggested that if this happens, you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can assist you choose the right replacement and then install it properly so that your vehicle can restart.