Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are several reasons why your ignition in your car may be locked. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. You can fix this by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to get the car into the gear.

If the car still won't turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable, or the shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily solve these problems.

It's also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time both the ignition and key may wear out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, could solve this issue by allowing the wafers slide into the place.

The filth from your pockets and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build up on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner, such as Triflow to resolve this problem. It is also recommended to utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.

You can also try to tap the key using a small hammer while it's in the lost ignition key. This will create a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide into position. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If none of the above works, you must consult a locksmith for help in figuring it out. The key may be damaged within the cylinder for ignition or it could be time to replace it altogether. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, your car will need to be brought into a repair shop to get it replaced. These issues are usually simple to fix.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. This can happen if the driver accidentally engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using their hands. It may also happen when a passenger 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 locksmiths or mechanics. 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. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick check of the steering column will confirm that the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the lock or pulling on it with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure since this could cause damage to the key, or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

Another option is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key is worn out and no capable of engaging the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it could help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this doesn't work, you will probably need to visit 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 should it be necessary.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it is likely that there is something wrong with your key. Try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). You can also try rubbing rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it aids.

If the pins within the lock do not move correctly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test the spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have put it in. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, grease the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and isn't able to connect with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder in the ignition to not turn and prevent you from starting your car. 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 Ignition Lock on with a spare key, and you've ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel, it is possible that the ignition cylinder is been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or the handle of the Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder will release it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this does not work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key is inserted and slides out of position when it is inserted. It is prone to getting blocked with debris, or simply wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use the small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo this, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you attempt this, make sure that the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. Many newer cars have the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from turning in the ignition.

If you've tried all of these steps and your key doesn't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to remember that different vehicles will require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally, this involves removal of the plastic cover which is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then loosen any fasteners holding it in place.

After the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they're identical. Following this step you can then install the new ignition cylinder the same way as the previous one.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition could be damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that when this happens you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly, so that your car will be able to start up again.