The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are many reasons your ignition could be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. You can fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.
The pins of the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to get the car in the correct gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. This can be easily solved by a mechanic or by a local automotive locksmith.
The ignition cylinder could also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key can wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting wafers to slide into place.
The key may become blocked with lint in your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape used to secure packages. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue, you can try cleaning the keys with an old cloth or using a cleaner such as Triflow. It is also recommended to utilize a spare key in order to determine if the issue is related to the key or the ignition.
While the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will create a slight vibration that might cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide in place. You should be careful not to damage either the ignition cylinder or key.
If all of the above options fail, it's likely to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key is damaged inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new key for you. If the ignition cylinder is the problem, you will need to bring the vehicle to a repair shop for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to fix.
Examine the Steering Wheel
A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. This can happen if the driver is unable to engage it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It may also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix that does not require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it shifts into 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, a quick inspection of the steering column will determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is typically marked by a tiny "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling it or pulling it down with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force as this could damage the key or even cut off a wafer within the lock cylinder.
Another option is using an additional key to determine whether it is able to disengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and is no capable of engaging the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the case, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design an alternative key.
If the key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it could help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to get it working. If this doesn't work you, it's possible to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They'll be able give you a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, should it be necessary.
Check the Key
It is possible 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 may also try alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.
If the pins in the lock do not move properly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test an extra key by gently removing it of the ignition after having put it in. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving within. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you could grease them with graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This should allow the pins slide into position when you insert the key, and also prevent them from getting stuck.
G28 is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning and stop you from starting your vehicle. In this case you'll need to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.
If you're able to turn your car with an extra key, and you have ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder is been worn out. Try to open the lock with an abrasive screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Don't use the head. Tapping the cylinder gently will often free it and allow you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work then you'll need your lock's cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out of place when you insert it. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.
You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
It is essential to ensure whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks 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 the above and still cannot get your key to rotate it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure.
This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then remove any fasteners holding it in place.
After removing the cover you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they are identical. After this step you can then install the new ignition cylinder the same way as the old one.
Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition will become damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it's advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help select the best replacement and install it correctly so that your vehicle can restart.