Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are several reasons why your car ignition may be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. You can fix it by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.
Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can tap the cylinder gently using a small tack-hammer.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is turned on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to put the car in the gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable, or the shifter in the transmission. They can be fixed by a mechanic, or an auto locksmith in your area.
The ignition cylinder may also wear out. In time the ignition as well as the key may wear out and become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, such as silicon lock lubricant, can help solve this problem by allowing the wafers slide into place.
The key can become clogged with lint from your pockets as well as adhesive from tape used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. Also, you can utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.
When the key is in the ignition you can tap it using a the hammer with a small amount. This can cause a small vibration that might cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide in place. You must be cautious not to harm either the ignition cylinder or key.
If none of the suggestions above work, you need to contact a locksmith to test the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the whole thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can create a new key for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the issue, you will need to bring the car to a repair shop for it to be replaced. These issues are usually simple to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. It can happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel when they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It can also happen when an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they exit the car.
Luckily it's an easy fix that doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes into one of these positions. It is also essential 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 show whether the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock' label is usually located in the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the key or pulling it back with moderate force. g28carkeys.co.uk is crucial not to use too much force as it could damage the key or even tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.
Another thing to try is to use an alternate key to see if it can disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make a replacement key.
If the new key still isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this doesn't work, you will likely have to visit an expert at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder should it be necessary.
Check the Key
If you are unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it is possible that something is wrong with your key. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids.
It's possible that the lock pins inside aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, you can try putting it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving within. If you don't feel any movement, you could grease them with graphite. 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 prevent them from becoming stuck.
It is possible that your key has become worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This may cause the ignition cylinder to not turn and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation, you'll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.
If you're able to turn the car with a spare key and you've cleared the issue 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 handle of a Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder can free it to allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn't work then you'll need the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place where your key is inserted and removed when it is inserted. It can get clogged up 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 very gently on the inside of the ignition to try to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
Before you do this, make sure that the car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park and prevent the key from turning into the ignition.
If you have tried these steps and your key still won't turn, it's possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedure.
This usually involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners that hold it in the position.
After you have removed the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then important to compare the new one that you have purchased with the old one to make sure they are an identical match. After this you can then install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the old one.
It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car can start again.