Why is My car ignition locked (Suggested Looking at)?

There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key might be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. You can fix ignition switch this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral, but won't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there might be an issue with the transmission shifter switch. This can be easily solved by moving the switch upwards or downwards to get the car into the correct gear.

If it's still not turning, the problem could be due to the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. They can be fixed by a mechanic or a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time the ignition as well as the key may wear out and become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint in your pockets and adhesive from tape used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the keys with an old cloth or using a cleaner such as Triflow. You should also utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition.

While the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a the hammer with a small amount. This can cause a small vibration that might cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide in place. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or the key.

If none of the suggestions above works, you must call a locksmith to check it out. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition, or it may be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith can create a new key for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, your car ignition switch repair will need to be brought to a repair shop in order to have it replaced. Luckily, these problems are usually very easy to fix.

Examine the Steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. This can happen if the driver accidentally engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle and is usually caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using their hands. It could also happen when a passenger in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they get out of the vehicle.

Fortunately it's a simple fix that doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter until it changes into one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should reveal if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is typically marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the key or pulling on it with moderate force. It is essential not to use excessive force since this could cause damage to the key or even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

Another option is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and is no longer able to engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional from 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 may help. Just apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then jiggle or tap it lightly until it starts to engage. If this doesn't work, you will probably need to visit an expert at your local dealership for cars. They can provide you with a replacement key ignition replacement and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you are unable get your key to turn on the ignition, it is possible that something is wrong with your key. You can try removing any foreign material from the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc). You can also try rubbing rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

If the pins in the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key that you want to test, you can try placing it into the ignition and gently removing it. This should let you hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, as they should. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you can lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins slide into position when you insert the key and also prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious problem with your key could be that it has worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this case you'll need to take your car key ignition replacement near me to an auto locksmith ignition replacement repair shop or locksmith to get service.

If you can turn your vehicle 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 loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of a hammer (not the head). Gently tapping on the cylinder will usually free it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work then you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place where your key is inserted and removed when it is inserted. Most of the time, it gets filled with debris or simply a result of regular wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it or you may cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you attempt this, ensure that the gearbox of your car is in neutral or park. A majority of modern cars have an option to lock the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This can prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you've tried all of this and still not able to get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally, this means taking off the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners that are holding it in the position.

Once the cover has been removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder off 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 is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same way that you did with the old one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition will become damaged and require replacement. It is suggested that if this happens you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you choose the right replacement and ensure it is installed correctly so that your vehicle can restart.