The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. This can be repaired by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.

The pins of the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral but it doesn’t turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, there could be a problem with the shifter switch on the transmission. This can be easily repaired by moving the shifter upwards or downwards to get the car into the correct gear.

If the car doesn’t turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable, or the shifter on the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key may 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 wafers to slide into the place.

The key could get clogged 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 fix this issue try cleaning the key using a cloth or using an instrument cleaner, like Triflow. You could also try a spare key to determine if the problem is the key or ignition.

You can also try to tap the key using a small hammer when it’s in the van ignition repair. This will create a tiny vibration, which could cause enough vibration to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide into the right position. However, you must be careful not to damage the ignition key or cylinder.

If all of the above options fail, it’s likely to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it looked at. It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the whole thing. If the problem is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new key for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the cause then you’ll have to take the vehicle to a repair shop for it to be replaced. Luckily, these issues are usually very easy to solve.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to stop turning. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It can also happen if a passenger in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they get out of the vehicle.

This is a quick fix that doesn’t involve going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the shifter is either in Park or neutral. If it’s not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It’s also important to press the brake button or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn’t locked, a quick check of the steering column will confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is typically indicated by a small “Lock” label on the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much force as it could damage the key or tear a wafer from 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 original key is worn out and is no more able to engage the wafers inside 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 the penetrating lubricant it might help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this does not work, you’ll likely have to visit a specialist at your local auto dealer. They’ll be able provide you with a replacement key, and will also replace the ignition cylinder in the event that it is required.

Check the Key

It could be that your key may be damaged if it does not engage in the ignition. You can try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You may also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it aids.

It is possible that the internal lock pins aren’t moving correctly when you insert the key. You can test an extra key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have insert it. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, as they ought to. If not, lubricate the pins with powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and keep them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key could be that it is damaged or worn out and is unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder in the ignition to not turn and prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case you’ll need to take your car ignition switch repair to repair or locksmith shop for service.

If you can turn your car using a spare key and you have ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock with a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Don’t use the head. Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will release it to allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing then you’ll need the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and removed when it is inserted. It could get blocked with debris, or just wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the mobile ignition lock repair services switch.

Before you do this, make sure that the car ignition lock, view website,’s gearbox is either in park or neutral. Many newer cars have a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral, which can prevent the key from turning into the ignition.

If you have tried these steps and your key doesn’t turn, it’s possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles require different procedures for replacing the ignition key replacement cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves taking off the plastic cover that is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you’ll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.

Once the cover has been removed, you’ll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then important to check the new one that you have purchased with the old one to make sure they are a perfect match. Once this is done the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition could be damaged and require to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help determine the correct replacement and ensure it is installed correctly so that your vehicle can start again.