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Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your ignition in your car may be locked. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. You can fix it by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.

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 get the vehicle into the gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the problem could be with the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. G28 Car Keys can be 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 will wear out, causing them to become difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can solve this issue, letting the wafers to slide into the proper position.

Lint from your pocket and adhesive from tape that holds packages together can also build on the key, preventing it from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue you can try cleaning the key using an old cloth or using an instrument cleaner, such as Triflow. It is also recommended to make use of a spare key to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition.

You can also try to tap the key using a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This will create a slight vibration that might be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition which will allow them to slide in place. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above solutions are unsuccessful, it's time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. The key may be damaged in the cylinder of ignition or it could be time to replace it altogether. Locksmiths can create an alternate key if the issue is the key. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought into a repair shop to have it repaired. Fortunately, these issues are usually very easy to repair.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. It could happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling the wheel while resting it against their body. It may also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car.

This is a quick fix that doesn't involve going to the mechanic or locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake button or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should determine if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually located in the lower area of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling it or pulling it back with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the key, or even damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

A spare key can also be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key is worn out and is no capable of engaging the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.

If the key still doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it may help. Apply a small amount around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this doesn't help you, you might need to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They can provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

It could be that your key has been damaged if it doesn't turn on. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it can help.

It could be that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, you can try putting it in the ignition, then gently pulling it out. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key could be that it is damaged or worn, making it unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, and prevent you from starting your vehicle. In this situation you'll have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.





If you are able to turn your car on with a spare key and you have eliminated any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or handle of a Hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it and allow you to turn your key and start your car. If this is not working, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place where your key can slide in and out when inserted. Most of the time, it gets gunked up with debris or is the result of wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward.

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 out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

Before you attempt this, make sure that the gearbox of your car is in neutral or park. Many modern cars have a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral that can stop the key from turning into the ignition.

If you've tried these steps and your key still won't turn, it could be that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to remember that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in place.

After removing the cover you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll have to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to make sure 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 best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact Tempe Locksmith Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can be started again.