Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are several reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. The key may be dirty or have a broken wafer inside it. You can fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.
The pins on the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. You can fix this by shifting the gear shifter up or downward to get the vehicle into the gear.
If the car still won't turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic, or an auto locksmith in your area.
It's also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. In time, both the ignition and key may wear out and become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease can address this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into place.
The key may become blocked 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. Clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this problem. You should also utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition.
While the key is in ignition, you can tap it with a the hammer with a small amount. This can cause a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen 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 all of the above solutions are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it examined. The key could be damaged in the cylinder of ignition or it could be time to replace it completely. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the issue is related to the ignition cylinder, your car must be taken to a repair shop to get it replaced. Luckily, these problems are usually very easy to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A simple problem that can hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This happens if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while supporting themselves against it with their hands. It can also happen when a passenger in the back seat accidentally engages it as they climb out of the car.
Fortunately it's a simple fix and does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the shifter is either in Park or neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter gently until it moves into 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, an inspection of the steering column will show whether the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is crucial not to use too much pressure as this can damage the key, or damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder.
Another thing to try is using an additional key to determine whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.
If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could help. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to get it working. If this doesn't work you, you might need to seek out a specialist at your local car dealership. They will be able to provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.
Check the Key
If you are unable get your key to turn on the ignition, it is possible that something is wrong with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You could also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it aids.
It could be that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, you can try placing it in the ignition, then gently sliding it back out. This should allow you to be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, which they ought to. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you could grease them with graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
A more serious issue is that it is damaged or worn which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this case, you'll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.
If you can turn your vehicle with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of the Hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder can often release it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work, you'll need to have 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 inserted. Most of the time, it gets gunked up with debris or as the result of wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.
ignition key repair can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder in an effort to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be very careful to not overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
Before you do this, make sure the gearbox of your car is set to neutral or park. Many newer cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or in park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.
If you've tried all of the above and still not able to get your key to turn, it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.
This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. 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 need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they're identical. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the previous one.
It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly to ensure that your car will be able to start up again.