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Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are a variety of reasons your ignition might be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer in it. This can be repaired by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times. The pins on 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 The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning when the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is switched on. This can be solved by moving the switch up or down to put the car into gear. If it's not turning, the problem could be due to the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. This can be easily solved by a mechanic, or a local locksmith for cars. It's also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time the ignition as well as the key may wear out making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting wafers slide into place. The key can become clogged with lint from 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 key with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow to fix this issue. Also, you can make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the ignition or the ignition. While the key is in ignition you can tap it with an hammer that is small. This can cause a small vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition, allowing them to slide into place. But, be very careful not to harm the key or the ignition cylinder. If all of the above options fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it looked at. It could be that the key has been damaged in the ignition, or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can make a replacement key in the event that the issue is the key. If the cylinder in the ignition is the cause, you will need to take the car to a repair shop for it to be repaired. These problems are usually easy to fix. Check the steering wheel A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. This can happen if the driver has a mistake and engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themself against it with their hands. It could also happen if a passenger in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle. This is a simple solution that doesn't require a trip to the mechanic or locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not then gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key. If the wheel isn't locked a quick look at the steering column will tell whether the key is engaged with the lock. 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 crucial not to use too much force as this could cause damage to the key or cut off 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 is no longer able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the case, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create an alternative key. If the new key won't engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could assist. 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 doesn't work you, you might need to speak with a specialist at your local car dealership. They'll be able to give you a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, should it be necessary. Check the Key If you are unable to get your key to turn on the ignition, it's possible that something is wrong with your key. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it can help. It is possible that the internal lock pins aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, you can put it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins move inside. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you can lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck. It could be that your key has become damaged or worn out and isn't able to connect with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder in the ignition to not turn and stop you from starting your car. In this situation you'll need to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance. If you're able to turn the vehicle with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. It is possible to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of the Hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder can often release it and allow you to turn your key and start your car. If this does not work it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic. Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and removed when it is inserted. It can get clogged up with dust, or simply wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along. You can also use the small hammer, and tap gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo this, or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch. Before you try this, ensure that your car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. Many newer cars have the ability to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from turning into the ignition. If you've tried all of the above and still not able to get your key to turn it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct steps. This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in place. After removing the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they are the same. Once this step is complete, the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed. |
