The Worst Advice We've Been Given About Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are many reasons why your car ignition may be locked. The key could be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. You can fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.
The pins on the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly with a small tack-hammer.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is turned on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to put the car into gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the problem could be with the neutral safety cable or transmission shifter. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or an auto locksmith in your area.
The ignition cylinder may also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant can help solve this problem by allowing the wafers to slide into the place.
The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can build on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You should also utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is with the ignition or the ignition.
When the key is in the ignition you can tap it with a small piece of hammer. This can cause a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen the ignition's wafers and allow them to slide into the right position. However, you must be very careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or the key. cylinder.
If none of the suggestions above work, you need to call a locksmith to check it out. The key may be damaged inside the ignition cylinder, or it might be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can create an alternate key if the problem is the key. If the cylinder in the ignition is the issue then you'll need to take your car to a repair shop in order for it to be repaired. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to stop turning. This happens if the driver is unable to engage it when they exit or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themselves against it with their hands. It can also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.
Luckily, this is an easy fix that doesn't require a trip an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter until it shifts into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.
If the wheel isn't locked, a quick look at the steering column will show if the key has been engaged with the lock. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is important not to apply excessive force since it could damage the key or break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.
ignition key repair to try is using a spare key to see if it can disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.
If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it might aid. Apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then jiggle or tap it lightly until it begins to work. If this does not work you, you might need to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They can provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.
Check the Key
It is possible that your key is damaged if it does not turn in the ignition. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is 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 internal lock pins aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. You can test an extra key by gently removing it of the ignition after having put it in. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, as they should. If not, apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into position when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
It is possible that your key has become damaged or worn out and isn't able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll have to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.
If you're able to turn the car using a spare key, and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of an Hammer (not the head). Gently tapping on the cylinder will often free it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this does nothing then you'll need your lock cylinder changed by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when you insert it. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or is the result of wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.
You can also use a small hammer and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
It is crucial to confirm that your car's transmission is set to park or neutral prior to attempting this. A majority of modern cars have an electronic system that locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This will stop the ignition key from being turned.
If you've done all of the above and still can't get your key to turn, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct procedures.
This usually involves removing the plastic cover that 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 the position.
After you have removed the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they're identical. After this is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same manner as the old one.
It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly to ensure that your vehicle can be started again.