Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

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

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when you insert the key into the ignition, it might be an issue with the shifter switch for the transmission. You can fix this by shifting the gear shifter up or downward to get the car into the gear.

If the car still won't turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. In time both the ignition and key may wear out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting the wafers to slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition cylinder lock repair. To resolve this issue you can try cleaning the key using the help of a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow. It is also recommended to utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer, when it's in the ignition. This can cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers within the van ignition repair and allow them to slide into position. However, you must be very careful not to damage the ignition key or cylinder.

If none of the above work, you need to call a locksmith to check the issue. The key may be damaged within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be time to replace it completely. Locksmiths can create a replacement key if the problem is the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought to a repair shop to have it repaired. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to solve.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. This occurs when the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel and securing themself against it with their hands. It can also happen if a passenger in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.

Fortunately, this is an easy fix and doesn't require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes into one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column should confirm that the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower area 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 since this can damage the key, or even break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use an additional key to determine whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could mean that the original key is worn out and is no capable of engaging the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the case then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an appropriate replacement key.

If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help. Apply a small amount around the van ignition repair and inserted keyhole, then jiggle or tap it lightly until it starts to work. If this does not work, you'll probably need to visit an expert at your local auto locksmith ignition replacement dealership. They can provide you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key has been damaged if it doesn't engage in the ignition. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You could also try alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

It is possible that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key that you want to test, try putting it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving within. If not, you could grease the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This should allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key, and also prevent them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key could be that it has damaged or worn and is unable to connect the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, and prevent you from starting your car. In this case, you'll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.

If you are able to turn your car with 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 attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of the Hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it to allow you to turn the key of your car. 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 your key is inserted and slides out of place when inserted. It could get blocked with debris, or simply wear and wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along.

You can also use a small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to try to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.

Before you do this, make sure that the car's gearbox is in neutral or park. A lot of newer vehicles come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you have done all of this and still not able to get your key to turn it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is crucial to follow the correct procedures.

This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that hold it in the position.

Once the cover has been removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. It is then necessary to check the new one that you purchased with the previous one to ensure that they are a perfect match. After this step is completed the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same way that the previous one was removed.

It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended that you contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car will be able to start up again.