The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. The key may be dirty or may have a damaged wafer inside it. You can fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.
ignition key replacement cost on the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could 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 down to get the vehicle into gear.
If it's not turning, the problem could be related to the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. They can be fixed by a mechanic, or a local locksmith for cars.
It's also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. In time the ignition as well as the key can become worn out and become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, can solve this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into the place.
The key could get clogged with lint in your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape used to secure packages. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem try cleaning the key with the help of a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.
You could also tap the key with a small hammer, while it's in the ignition. This will cause a small vibration, which may be enough to loosen the ignition's wafers and allow them to slide in place. You should be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or the key.
If all of the above solutions fail, it's likely to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith can create a new one for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle will need to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. These issues are usually simple to repair.
Examine the Steering Wheel
A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. This occurs when the driver accidentally engages it when they exit or enter the vehicle. It is typically 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.
This is a simple fix that doesn't involve a trip to the locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the gear shift is in either Park or Neutral. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.
If the wheel isn't locked taking a look at the steering column will reveal whether the key has been engaged with the lock. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling it or pulling it back with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much pressure as this can damage the key or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.
Another option is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key if this is the case.
If the key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it may help. Just apply a small amount around the ignition and keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn't work you, you might need to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary.
Check the Key
If you are unable to get your key to turn on the ignition, it is likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can try removing any foreign material from the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). You may also try alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.
It could be that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, you can try placing it in the ignition and gently sliding it back out. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they ought to. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be squirted into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.
A more serious problem is that it is damaged or worn out which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this case, you'll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.
If you are able to turn your car with a spare key and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to unlock the lock by using the blunt screwdriver or handle of smaller hammers. Don't use the head. A gentle tap on the cylinder can often release it, allowing you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this does not work then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder 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 gunked up with debris or is the result of wear and wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.
You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
Before you attempt this, make sure that the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. A majority of modern cars have an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.
If you've tried all of this but cannot get your key to rotate it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure.
This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that hold it in the position.
After removing the cover you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to compare the new one you purchased with the original one to ensure that they are a perfect match. After this step is completed, the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.
It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an ignition could be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help you select the best replacement and ensure it is installed correctly so that your vehicle can restart.