Why is My car ignition locked (official statement)?
There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key could be dirty or may have a damaged wafer inside it. You can fix it by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.
The pins of the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter up or down to get the car into the correct gear.
If the car is still unable to turn, the problem could be related to the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily solve these problems.
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 insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can address this problem, allowing the wafers slide into place.
The key can become clogged with lint in your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You could also test a spare key to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.
When the key is in ignition, you can tap it with a the hammer with a small amount. This will create a tiny vibration, which may be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide in the right position. But, be cautious not to damage the ignition cylinder or the key. cylinder.
If none of the suggestions above work, you should consult a locksmith for help in figuring the issue. The key could be damaged inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it altogether. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, your car must be taken into a repair shop to get it replaced. These problems are usually easy to fix.
Check the steering wheel
A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel while they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while resting it against their body. It can also happen if an individual in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle.
This is a straightforward fix that doesn’t involve going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is in Neutral or Park. If it’s not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.
If the wheel isn’t locked, a quick check of the steering column should determine if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is typically marked by a tiny “Lock” label on the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the key or pulling it back with moderate force. It is important to not use too much pressure as this could cause damage to the key, or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.
A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and no longer able engage the wafers in 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 key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and inserted keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work, you’ll likely have to visit an expert at your local auto dealership. They’ll be able to provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder if necessary.
Check the Key
It is possible that your key is damaged if it will not turn on. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this helps.
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. You can test the spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after you insert it. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving within. If not, you can lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This will allow the pins slide into position when you insert the key, and also prevent them from getting stuck.
A more serious problem with your key may be that it is damaged or worn and is unable to connect the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder to stop to turn, which can prevent you from starting your vehicle. If this is the case you’ll need to take your vehicle to a locksmith or repair shop for service.
If you’re able to turn the 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. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of a Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder can free it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing will happen, you’ll have to get 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 you insert it. Often times, it gets covered in debris or simply the result of wear and wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.
You can also make use of a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Again, be very careful not to overdo it or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.
Before you do this, ensure that your car’s gearbox is set to neutral or park. Many modern cars have the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.
If you’ve tried these steps and your key doesn’t turn, it is possible that the ignition key replacement cost housing needs to be replaced. It is important to know that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.
This usually involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove this, you’ll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then loosen any fasteners holding it in place.
After you have removed the cover, you’ll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to check the new one that you bought with the old one to make sure they are a perfect match. After this you can then install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the previous one.
It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition could be damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help select the best replacement and then install it properly so that your vehicle can begin again.