14 Businesses Doing A Great Job At Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your car ignition may be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral, but won’t turn on when the key is inserted into the ignition, it could be a problem with the shifter switch for the transmission. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter up or downward to get the vehicle into gear.

If it’s not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or local auto ignition key replacement locksmith can easily solve these issues.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key can wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can help solve this problem by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into the place.

The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape that is used to secure packages. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this issue. It is also recommended to use a spare key to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition.

When the key is in the ignition you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide in the right position. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If none of the suggestions above works, you must consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition cylinder replacement near me, or it could be time to replace the whole thing. Locksmiths can create an alternate key if the problem is with the key. If the issue is related to the ignition cylinder, the vehicle must be taken to a repair shop to have it repaired. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to fix.

Check the steering wheel

A simple problem that can prevent the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while holding it against their body. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they climb out of the car.

Luckily it’s an easy fix and does not require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or Neutral. If it’s not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column will reveal if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small “Lock label is typically located in the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is important to not apply too much pressure since it could damage the key or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. If this is the case the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an alternative key.

If the new key isn’t engaging, a quick spray of penetrating oil can help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this does not work you, you might need to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.

Check the Key

If you are unable get your key to turn in the ignition, it’s likely that there is something wrong with your key. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids.

If the pins inside 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 to test, put it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and keep them from becoming stuck.

A more serious problem with your key could be that it has become worn or damaged, making it unable to engage the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to not turn and prevent you from starting your car. In this instance you’ll have to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.

If you are able to turn your car using an extra 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 blunt end of a screwdriver, or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder will usually free it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this doesn’t work then you’ll need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when it is inserted. It could get blocked with debris, or simply wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.

You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder, in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

It is crucial to confirm whether your car’s transmission is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or park. This can prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you’ve tried all of this but not able to get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, so it is important to follow the correct steps.

This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove this, you’ll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in place.

Once the cover has been removed, you’ll need to remove the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. Then, you’ll have to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they are identical. Once this step is complete, the new ignition cylinder lock repair cylinder can be installed in the same way that the previous one was removed.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will be able to help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car ignition replacement near me will be able to start up again.