A Provocative Rant About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer inside. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times. Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer. Check the Battery If your car is in Park or neutral, but won't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, it may be a problem with the shifter switch for the transmission. This can be easily solved by moving the switch up or down to put the car in the correct gear. If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable or the transmission shifter. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily solve these problems. 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. mobile ignition lock repair services , such as silicon lock lubricant can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place. The key can become clogged with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to hold packages together. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the key with a cloth or using an instrument cleaner, such as Triflow. It is also recommended to utilize a spare key in order to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition. While the key is in ignition, you can tap it with a an hammer that is small. This can cause a small vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide into place. Be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or key. If all of the above solutions fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it looked at. The key may be damaged within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be time to replace it altogether. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new key for you. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, your car is required to be brought into a repair shop to get it replaced. Luckily, these issues are usually very easy to repair. Check the Steering Wheel A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. This occurs when the driver is unable to engage it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it using their hands. It may also happen when an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they get out of the car. Fortunately, this is an easy fix and does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key. If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column will determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. A small “Lock label is typically located in the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is important to not use too much pressure as this could cause damage to the key, or even damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder. A spare key may also be used to unengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and is no longer able to engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case. If the key does not engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it could aid. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this does not work, you'll likely have to visit an expert at your local auto dealership. They can provide you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required. Check the Key If you are unable get your key to turn on the ignition, it's possible that there is a problem with your key. You can remove any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You could also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps. If the pins in the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test an extra key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after having insert it. You should be able to hear and feel the pins move inside. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck. It could be that your key has become worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll have to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service. If you can turn your car with an extra key, and you've ruled out any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder is been worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will loosen it up and allow you to turn the key of your car. 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 the place where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. It could get blocked with debris, or simply 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 make use of a small hammer to gently tap the inside 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 could cause serious 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 an option to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park that can stop the key from turning in the ignition. If you have tried these steps and your key still won't turn, it could be that the ignition housing has to be replaced. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedures. Generally speaking, this involves removing the plastic cover that is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners holding it in place. Once the cover has been removed, you'll need to take the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they are identical. After this is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner that you did with the old one. It is possible that despite our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help you choose the right replacement and then install it properly to ensure that your vehicle will begin again.