Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your ignition could be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. This can be corrected by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.

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

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car ignition key replacement is in Park neutral, or doesn’t start when the key is switched on. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the vehicle into the correct gear.

If the car still won’t turn, the problem could be due to 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 could also be worn out. In time the ignition as well as the key can wear out, making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, could aid in solving this issue by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into the 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 resolve this issue try cleaning the key with a cloth or using an instrument cleaner, like Triflow. You can also try a spare key ignition replacement to determine if the problem is the key or ignition.

While 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 be enough to loosen up the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide into place. You must be cautious not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above options fail, it’s probably time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it looked at. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can create an alternate key if the problem is the key. If the ignition cylinder is the issue then you’ll need to bring the vehicle to a repair ignition lock cylinder shop for it to be replaced. These issues are generally simple to fix.

Check the Steering Wheel

A simple problem that can hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen when an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel as they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while resting it against their body. It could also happen if a passenger in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they get out of the vehicle.

Luckily it’s an easy fix that doesn’t require a trip an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the shifter is either in Park or Neutral. If it’s not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it shifts into one of these positions. It’s also crucial to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel isn’t locked an inspection of the steering column will reveal whether the key is engaged with the lock. A small “Lock label is typically found in the lower portion the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much force as this could damage the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use an additional key to determine if it can disengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and no longer able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the case, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an alternative key.

If the key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this does not work you, you might need to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.

Check the Key

If you are unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it’s possible that there is a problem with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.

It could be that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, try placing it into the ignition and gently sliding it back out. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they ought to. If not, lubricate the pins with powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place as you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, and prevent you from starting your car. If this happens you’ll need to take your vehicle to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you are able to turn your car ignition lock on with a spare key, and you have eliminated any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. It is possible 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 will loosen it to allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn’t work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and slides out of position when it is inserted. It could get blocked with debris, or simply wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Again, be very careful not to overdo it or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, ensure that your car’s gearbox is either in park or neutral. Many newer cars have an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park that can stop the key from turning into the ignition.

If you have done all of the above 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 methods for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct procedure.

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

Once the cover has been removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. It is then important to compare the new one you purchased with the original one to make sure they are an identical match. Once this step is complete, the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it’s advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can start again.