16 Must-Follow Facebook Pages To Car Ignition Lock Marketers

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your car ignition may be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside it. This can be fixed by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.

The pins on the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly with a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is turned on. This can be easily repaired by moving the shifter up or down to put the car ignition System Repair in the gear.

If it's not turning, the issue could be due to the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or local auto locksmith ignition replacement locksmith can easily fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder may also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tape that holds packages together can build on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue, you can try cleaning the key with an old cloth or using a cleaner, such as Triflow. It is also recommended to make use of a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the ignition.

When the key is in the ignition you can tap it using a an hammer that is small. This will cause a slight vibration that could cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide into position. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder or key.

If all of the above options are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. The key may be damaged inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it completely. A locksmith can make an alternative key if the issue is with the key. If the issue is related to the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought to a repair shop in order to get it replaced. These issues are generally simple to solve.

Check the steering wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. It can happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel while they exit or get into the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It may also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they climb out of the car ignition switch.

This is a quick solution that doesn't require a trip to the mechanic or locksmith. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes into one of these positions. It is also essential to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick check of the steering column will determine if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is essential not to use excessive force since this could damage the key or even break off 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 mean that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.

If the new key does not engage, a short spray of oil that penetrates can help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to get it working. If this isn't working, you'll likely have to visit an expert at your local auto ignition key replacement dealer. They'll be able to give you a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, in the event that it is required.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key may be damaged if it doesn't turn on. Try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if this helps.

If the pins within the lock aren't moving correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. If you have a spare key to test, you can put it in the ignition and gently removing it. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If you don't feel any movement, you could grease them with graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes which can be put into the keyhole. This should allow the pins slide into place when you insert the key and keep them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has become worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning and stop you from starting your vehicle. If this is the case, you will need to take your car ignition lock to a locksmith or repair shop for assistance.

If you are able to turn your car using an extra key and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will often free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this does not work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. Often times, it gets filled with debris or simply due to wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use the small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be very cautious not to overdo this, or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.

It is essential to ensure that your car's transmission is set to park or neutral prior to attempting this. Many newer cars have an option to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park and prevent the key from turning in the ignition.

If you've tried all of the above and still can't get your key to rotate it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

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

Once the cover has been removed, you'll need to take the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they're identical. Once this is done the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same way that the previous one was removed.

Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and install it properly, so that your car can start again.