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Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key could be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.

The pins of the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

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

If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable, or the shifter in the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic, or a local locksmith for cars.

The ignition cylinder could also wear out. Over time the ignition as well as the key can wear out and become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, can help solve this problem by allowing the wafers slide into place.

The key could get clogged with lint in your pockets as well as adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. To fix this issue you can try cleaning the key with an old cloth or using a cleaner, like Triflow. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

You could also tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This will cause a slight vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide in place. You must be cautious not to harm either the ignition lock repair cylinder, or the key.

If none of the above work, you need to contact a locksmith to test it out. It could be that the key is broken in the ignition, or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. A locksmith can make an alternate key if the issue is the key. If the cylinder for the ignition is the problem, you will need to take your vehicle to a repair shop for it to be repaired. These issues are generally simple to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A simple problem that can stop the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. It can happen when drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel while they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel and being able to hold it against their body. It may also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.

Luckily it's an easy fix that doesn't require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter gently until it moves into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or turn on the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will tell whether the key has been engaged with the lock. A small "Lock' label is usually found in the lower portion the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is important to not apply too much pressure, as it could damage the key, or even damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has worn out and no longer able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design an appropriate replacement key.

If the new key isn't engaging, a quick spray of penetrating oil can assist. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and key replacement and inserted keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this doesn't help, you may need to consult a specialist in your local car dealership. They will be able to give you a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key has been damaged if it doesn't turn in the ignition. 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 ignition replacement to see if this helps.

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, try putting it in the ignition, then gently removing it. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, as they should. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you can lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and also prevent them from getting stuck.

It could be that your key has damaged or worn out and is unable to engage with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, and prevent you from starting your Car Ignition lock. If this is the case you'll need to take your car to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you're able to turn the car with a spare key, and you've ruled out issues 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 blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of a hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will loosen it and allow you to turn the key of your car ignition lock. If this doesn't work it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key is inserted and slides out of place when you insert it. It is often filled with debris or is due to wear and wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward.

You can also use a 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.

It is crucial to confirm that your car's gearbox is set to park or neutral prior to attempting this. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park that can stop the key from being turned into the ignition.

If you've done all of the above and still cannot get your key to turn, it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves taking off the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then remove any fasteners holding it in place.

After removing the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to check the new one that you have purchased with the previous one to make sure they're the same. After this, you can install the new ignition cylinder in exactly the same way as the old one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. It is suggested that if this happens you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help determine the correct replacement and ensure it is installed correctly so that your vehicle can begin again.