Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.
The pins on the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.
Check the Battery
If your car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when you insert the key into the ignition, it may be an issue with the transmission shifter switch. This can be repaired by moving the shifter upwards or downwards to get the car into the correct gear.
If the car is still unable to 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 can also be worn out. Over ignition cylinder replacement near me , both the ignition and key may wear out and become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting wafers to slide into the proper position.
The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You could also try a spare key in order to determine if the issue is the ignition or the key.
While the key is in the ignition you can tap it with a the hammer with a small amount. This will cause a slight vibration that could cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition, allowing them to slide into place. You must be cautious not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.
If none of the above work, you should call a locksmith to check the issue. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition, or it could be time to replace the whole thing. Locksmiths can create a replacement key if the problem is with the key. If the ignition cylinder is the issue, you will need to bring the car to a repair shop for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to solve.
Check the Steering Wheel
A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to stop turning. This occurs when the driver has a mistake and engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle and is typically caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using their hands. It could also happen if an individual in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.
This is a quick solution that doesn't require a trip to the mechanic or locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter gently until it moves into one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.
If the wheel isn't locked an inspection of the steering column will show if the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock' label is usually located in the lower area of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling it or pulling it back with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force as this could cause damage to the key or even tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.
A spare key can be used to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the case the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an alternative key.
If the key doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it could aid. Apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then jiggle or tap it lightly until it starts to work. If this doesn't help you, it's possible to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.
Check the Key
If you are unable get your key to turn the ignition, it is possible that there is a problem with your key. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it aids.
If the pins inside the lock aren't moving correctly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have a spare key to test, put it into the ignition and gently removing it. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving within. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be squirted into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
It could be that your key has damaged or worn out and isn't able to work with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. In this situation, you'll need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.
If you can turn your car using a spare key, and you have eliminated any issues with the battery or steering wheel, it is possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Don't use the head. Gently tapping on the cylinder can often release it and allow you to turn your key and start your car. If this doesn't work then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key slides into and out of position when it is inserted. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or simply a result of regular 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 in order to loosen or reset pins that are out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo it or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.
It is important to check that your car's gearbox is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. Many modern cars have the ability to lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from turning in the ignition.
If you have tried these steps and your key doesn't turn, it could be that the ignition housing has to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.
Generally, this means removal of the plastic cover which covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners that hold it in place.
Once the cover is removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. It is then necessary to compare the new one that you bought with the original one to ensure that they are a perfect match. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed.
It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition could be damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will help you select the proper replacement and install it properly, so that your car will be able to start up again.