14 Cartoons About Car Ignition Lock To Brighten Your Day

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. This can be corrected by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

If your car is in Park or neutral but it doesn't turn on when the key is inserted into the ignition, it may be a problem with the shifter switch for the transmission. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the vehicle into the gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable or the shifter in the transmission. They can be fixed by a mechanic or a local automotive locksmith.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key may wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant like silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint in your pockets as well as adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the keys with a cloth or using a cleaner, like Triflow. You can also try a spare key to determine if the problem is with the ignition or the key.

While the key is in ignition you can tap it with a the hammer with a small amount. This will create a tiny vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and let them slide into place. Be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above solutions are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can create a replacement key if the problem is with the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the vehicle is required to be brought to a repair shop in order to get it replaced. Luckily, these problems are typically very simple to solve.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A common issue that can stop the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. This occurs when the driver is unable to engage it as they exit or enter the vehicle and is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It could also happen if a passenger in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

This is a straightforward fix that doesn't involve going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter until it shifts into one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or turn on the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column should reveal if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is usually marked by a tiny "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling it or pulling on it with moderate force. It is important to not use too much pressure as it could damage the key, or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key is worn out and is no capable of engaging the wafers in 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 key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may help. Apply a small amount around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work, you may need to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder should it be necessary.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key has been damaged if it will not engage in the ignition. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

If the pins in the lock do not move properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently removing it of the ignition once you have put it in. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move as they ought to. If you don't hear or feel any movement, you could grease them with graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This should allow the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and also prevent them from getting stuck.

It could be that your key has worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. In this situation, you'll need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.

If you're able to turn your car with an extra key, and you have ruled out any problems with the steering wheel or battery it could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Try to open the lock by using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of the hammer. Don't use the head. Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this is not working it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place where your key slides in and out when you insert it. It is often filled with debris or simply the result of wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it as you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check that your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. Many modern cars have a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.

If you've tried these steps but your key is still unable to turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced.  locksmith ignition replacement cost  have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct steps.

Generally, this means removal of the plastic cover which is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.

Once the cover is removed, you'll need to take the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. Then, you will need to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one you removed to ensure that they're identical. After this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder exactly the same way as the old one.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it's recommended to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to help you select the proper replacement and install it properly to ensure that your vehicle will be able to start up again.