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Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons why your car ignition may be locked. vehicle locksmith might be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key in 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 on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is turned on. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the car into the gear.

If it is still not turning, the issue could be related to the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can fix these problems.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant can solve this issue by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into the place.

The key could get clogged with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to hold packages together. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this problem. You could also try a spare key to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

While the key is in ignition you can tap it with the hammer with a small amount. This will cause a small vibration, which could be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide in place. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If all of the above options fail, it's likely to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. The key might be broken inside the ignition cylinder, or it might be time to replace it completely. Locksmiths can create an alternate key if the problem is with the key. If the ignition cylinder is the problem, you will need to bring the vehicle to a repair shop for it to be repaired. Luckily, these issues are usually very easy to solve.

Check the steering wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to not turn. This occurs when the driver accidentally engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themself against it using their hands. It could also happen when someone in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they get out of the vehicle.

Fortunately it's a simple fix and doesn't require a trip locksmiths or mechanics. First, check that the shifter is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should confirm that the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock' label is usually found in the lower portion the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much force, as this could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

A spare key may also be used to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can aid. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to get it working. If this doesn't help you, it's possible to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They'll be able give you a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn on the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong 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.

It could be that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. You can test the spare key by gently removing it of the ignition once you have put it in. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins move inside. If not, grease the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be put into the keyhole. This should allow the pins slide into position when you insert the key and keep them from becoming stuck.

A more serious problem with your key could be that it has damaged or worn and is unable to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning and prevent you from starting your car. In this instance, you'll need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith to get service.





If you're able to turn your car using a spare key, and you have ruled out any problems with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock by using the blunt screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Do not use the head. Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will loosen it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn't work then you'll need your lock's cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and slides out of place when you insert it. It is prone to getting blocked with debris, or simply 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 very gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo this, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, ensure that your car's gearbox is in neutral or park. A lot of newer vehicles come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from being turned.

If you have tried these steps and your key doesn't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles will require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove this, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then unscrew any fasteners holding it in place.

After the cover has been removed, you'll have to take the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to compare the new one that you bought with the previous one to ensure that they are an identical match. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same manner that the old one was removed.

It is possible that despite our best efforts, an ignition may become damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you determine the correct replacement and then install it properly so that your vehicle can restart.