Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your car lost ignition key may be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer inside. You can fix this by sliding the key in 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 on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is turned on. This can be easily solved by moving the switch up or down to put the car into gear.

If the car ignition lock (click) is still unable to turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable or transmission shifter. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

Lint from your pocket and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this problem. You could also try a spare key to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

When the key is in ignition, you can tap it using a the hammer with a small amount. This can cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide into position. But, be careful not to damage the ignition cylinder or the key. cylinder.

If all of the above methods fail, it's likely to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. 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 problem is with the key the locksmith can make a new one for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the cause, you will need to take the car to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. Luckily, these issues are generally easy to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A simple issue that could prevent the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This happens if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if a passenger in the back seat accidentally engages it as they climb out of the car ignition key replacement.

Fortunately it's an easy fix car ignition and does not require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, ensure that the shifter 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 should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column should confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is important to not apply too much pressure since this can damage the key, or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key if this is the case.

If the new key won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition and keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work, you may need to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to give you a new key and replace the ignition cylinder if necessary.

Check the Key

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

It's possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, you can try placing it in the ignition, then gently removing it. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins move inside. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you can lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be put into the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.

It is possible that your key has become worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, preventing you from starting your vehicle. In this instance, you'll need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.

If you can turn your car with a spare key and you have ruled out 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 handle of an Hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it up and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this doesn't work, you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when inserted. It can get clogged up with dust, or simply wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along.

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

It is essential to ensure whether your car's transmission is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. A lot of newer vehicles come with an electronic system that locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or in park. This could prevent the ignition key from being turned.

If you've done all of this and still cannot 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, so it is important to follow the correct procedure.

Generally, this means removing the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners that hold it in place.

After the cover has been removed, you'll need to remove the old lost ignition key cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to check the new one that you bought with the previous one to ensure that they are a perfect match. After this step is completed, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition can become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended that you contact Tempe Locksmith 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.