Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons your ignition in your car may be locked. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder many times.
The pins of the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen the pins.
Check the Battery
The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the vehicle into the correct gear.
If it is still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.
It's also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting wafers slide into place.
The key could get clogged with lint in your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem try cleaning the key using a cloth or using a cleaner, such as Triflow. You should also make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the ignition or the ignition.
While the key is in the ignition, you can tap it using a a small piece of hammer. This will create a tiny vibration that could be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide in the right position. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.
If all of the above solutions fail, it's likely to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. It could be that the key has been damaged in the ignition, or it may be time to replace the whole thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith can make a new one for you. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, the car must be taken to a repair shop in order to have it replaced. Luckily, these problems are usually very easy to repair.
Make sure you check the steering Wheel
A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. This occurs when the driver accidentally engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while balancing themself against it using their hands. It can also happen if someone in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle.
Fortunately it's an easy fix that doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If ignition repair cost 's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it changes into one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.
If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will tell if the key has been engaged with the lock. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is important not to use too much force, as it could damage the key or cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.
Another option is using an additional key to determine whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key is damaged and no longer able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.
If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to activate it. If this does not work, you may need to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They'll be able to provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder should it be necessary.
Check the Key
It could be that your key may be damaged if it doesn't turn on. You can remove any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You could also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.
It's possible that the internal lock pins aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, you can put it into the ignition and gently removing it. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly 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 issue with your key may be that it is damaged or worn which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This may cause the ignition cylinder to not turn and stop you from starting your car. If this is the case you'll need take your vehicle to repair or locksmith shop for repair.
If you are able to turn your car using a spare key, and you have eliminated any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of the hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this does not work then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or is due to wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.
You can also use a small hammer to gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder to try to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo this or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.
It is essential to ensure that your car's gearbox is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A lot of newer cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from turning into the ignition.
If you have tried all of these steps but your key is still unable to turn, it is possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. It is important to remember that different vehicles require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.
Generally speaking, this involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.
After removing the cover you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then important to check the new one you have purchased with the previous one to ensure that they're the same. Once this step is complete, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.
Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition can become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it's advised to contact Tempe Locksmith Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle can start again.