5 Laws That Can Benefit The Car Ignition Lock Industry
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons your car ignition may be locked. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. You can fix it 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 lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is switched on. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter up or down to put the car into the gear.
If it's still not turning, the issue could be related to the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic, or a local automotive locksmith.
The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key can wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, could help solve this problem by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into place.
Lint from your pocket and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. To fix this issue, you can try cleaning the keys with the help of a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow. It is also recommended to utilize a spare key in order to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition.
You could also tap the key using a small hammer when it's in the ignition. This can cause a small vibration that might be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition which will allow them to slide into place. However, you should be careful not to harm the key or the ignition cylinder.
If none of the suggestions above work, you need to call a locksmith to check it out. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be time to replace it altogether. A locksmith can make an alternative key if the problem is the key. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, your car is required to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. These problems are usually easy to fix.
Examine the Steering Wheel
A simple issue that could prevent the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen when a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel while they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while resting it against their body. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they climb out of the car.
This is a quick fix that doesn't require an appointment with a locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.
If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should determine if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower area 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 can be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the case then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create an appropriate replacement key.
If the key still doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it could help. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn't work you, you might 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 if necessary.
Check the Key
It could be that your key has been damaged if it will not engage in the ignition. You can try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it helps.
If the pins inside the lock aren't moving correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after you put it in. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If you don't feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.
A more serious problem with your key could be that it has damaged or worn out, making it unable to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This may cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case, you will need to take your vehicle to a locksmith or repair shop for repair.
If you are able to turn your car with a spare key, and you have ruled out any problems with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to unlock the lock by using an abrasive screwdriver or handle of the hammer. Do not use the head. Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will loosen it and allow you to turn the key of your car. If auto ignition key replacement doesn't work then you'll need the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when you insert it. It is often filled with debris or simply the result of wear and wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward.
You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, to try to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
It is essential to ensure that your car's gearbox is set to park or neutral prior to attempting this. Many modern cars have an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.
If you have tried all of these methods and your key doesn't turn, it could be that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is crucial to follow the correct procedure.
Generally, this means taking off the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then loosen any fasteners holding it in place.
After you have removed the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to make sure that they are the same. After this step is completed the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.
Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can assist you choose the right replacement and then install it properly so that your vehicle can begin again.