Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons your ignition might be stuck. The key may be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. This can be fixed by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.
The pins on the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.
Check the Battery
If the car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when the key is inserted into the ignition, there could be an issue with the shifter switch for the transmission. This can be fixed by moving the shifter up or down to put the car in the gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the problem could be related to the neutral safety cable or shifter in the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or an auto locksmith in your area.
It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.
Lint from your pocket and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can also build up on the key, which prevents it from being able to slide into the ignition. To fix this issue try cleaning the key with a cloth or using a cleaner, like Triflow. Also, you can use a spare key to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition.
While the key is in 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 in the ignition and allow them to slide into place. But, be very careful not to scratch the key or the ignition cylinder.
If none of the suggestions above work, you should call a locksmith to check it out. The key might be broken inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it completely. If the issue is with the key, a locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle must be taken to a repair shop to get it replaced. Luckily, these problems are generally easy to repair.
Examine the Steering Wheel
A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel while they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel and resting it against their body. It can also happen when someone in the back seat is unable to stop it when they get out of the car.
Luckily it's an easy fix that does not require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or Neutral. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to 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, an inspection of the steering column will tell whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the key, or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.
A spare key may also be used to deactivate the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and cannot engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.
If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can assist. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this doesn't work, you will likely need to see an expert at your local auto dealer. They can provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder if needed.
Check the Key
If you are unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can remove any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this aids.
It could be that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. You can test a spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after you insert it. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move as they ought to. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. g28carkeys.co.uk can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
A more serious issue with your key could be that it has worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, preventing you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.
If you're able to turn your car using a spare key, and you have eliminated any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock with a blunt screwdriver or a handle of smaller hammers. Don't use the head. Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will release it and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does not work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key slides into and out of place when inserted. Most of the time, it gets gunked up with debris or is a result of regular wear and wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.
You can also use the 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 careful not to overdo it or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.
It is crucial to confirm whether your car's transmission is set to park or neutral prior to attempting this. A lot of newer vehicles come with an electronic system that locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This could prevent the ignition key from being turned.
If you've tried all of this but cannot get your key to rotate it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. It is important to know that different vehicles will require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.
This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that are holding it in the position.
Once the cover is removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to check the new one that you purchased with the old one to ensure that they are a perfect match. Following this step is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same way as the old one.
Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that if this happens you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help determine the correct replacement and install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle will begin again.