Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key may be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. This can be repaired by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.
The pins of the lock cylinder can also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder gently using a small tack hammer.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning when the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is switched on. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter up or down to put the vehicle into the gear.
If it's still not turning, the issue 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.
The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key may wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.
The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tape that holds packages together can also build on the key, which prevents it from being able to slide into the ignition. You can clean the keys using a cloth, or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this problem. Also, you can use a spare key to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.
When the key is in ignition, you can tap it using a the hammer with a small amount. This will cause a small vibration, which could be enough to loosen up the wafers in the ignition and let them slide into the right position. However, you should be very careful not to scratch the ignition key or cylinder.
If none of the suggestions above works, you must contact a locksmith to test it out. It could be that the key is damaged in the ignition, or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. If the issue is with the key the locksmith can create a new key for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle will need to be brought to a repair shop in order to have it repaired. These problems are usually easy to repair.
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 when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It can also happen when a passenger in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.
Luckily it's a simple fix and does not require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is either in Neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.
If the wheel isn't locked, an inspection of the steering column will reveal whether the key has been engaged with the lock. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label 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 important 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 unengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and is no longer able to engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.
If the key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to get it working. If this doesn't work you, it's possible to consult a specialist in your local car dealership. They can provide you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.
Check the Key
If you're unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it is possible that something is wrong with your key. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). g28carkeys.co.uk can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.
It's possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test a spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have put it in. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
It is possible that your key has become damaged or worn out and is unable to engage with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, which can prevent you from starting your car. In this instance you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.
If you're able to turn your car with a spare key and you've ruled out any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder is been worn out. Try to open the lock using the blunt screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Do not use the head. Gently tapping on the cylinder will often free it and allow you to turn your key and start your car. If this doesn't work then you'll need the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place your key slides in and out of place when inserted. It can get clogged up with debris, or just wear and wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward.
You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the interior of the cylinder for ignition, to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch.
Before you do this, make sure the gearbox of your car is either in park or neutral. A lot of newer cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.
If you've done all of the above and still cannot get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder needs replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.
Generally, this involves removing the plastic cover that is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then loosen any fasteners that hold it in place.
After you have removed the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to check the new one you bought with the old one to ensure that they are an identical match. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.
Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it's 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 vehicle will be able to start up again.