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 broken wafer inside 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 could tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack-hammer.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter upwards or down to put the vehicle into the correct gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be due to the neutral safety cable, or the transmission shifter. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.
The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key can wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can solve this issue by allowing the wafers slide into the place.
The key may become blocked by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to secure packages. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this issue. You may also test a spare key to determine if the problem is the key or ignition.
When the key is in ignition you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will create a slight vibration that could cause enough friction to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide into position. However, you must be careful not to damage the key or the ignition cylinder.
If none of the suggestions above work, you need to contact a locksmith to test it out. The key might be broken within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be time to replace it completely. A locksmith can make a replacement key if the problem is with the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, your car is required to be brought to a repair shop in order to have it repaired. These issues are generally simple to fix.
Check the steering wheel
A common issue that can stop the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This can happen if the driver is unable to engage it as they exit or enter the vehicle. It is typically caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using their hands. It may also happen when a passenger 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 a mechanic or a locksmith. 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 moves to one of these positions. G28 must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.
If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column will confirm that the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is typically indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure since this could cause damage to the key, or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.
A spare key can be used to deactivate the lock. This may indicate that the original key is worn out and is no longer able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.
If the new key still isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can assist. Apply a small amount penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to activate it. If this does not work, you'll likely need to see a specialist at your local auto dealership. They will be able to give you a new key and also 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 does not turn on. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You may also try alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.
It could be that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, try putting it into the ignition and gently removing it. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes which can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.
It is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, preventing you from starting your vehicle. If this happens you'll need take your vehicle to an auto locksmith or repair shop for assistance.
If you're able to turn the car with an extra key and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to unlock the lock by using the blunt screwdriver or handle of a small hammer. Don't use the head. Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder can free it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing, you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place your key slides in and out of place when you insert it. It is often gunked up with debris or as due to wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along.
You can also use a small hammer and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be cautious not to overdo it as you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.
Before you do this, make sure the gearbox of your car is either in park or neutral. A majority of modern cars have an electronic system that locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This will stop the ignition key from turning.
If you have done all of the above and still cannot 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.
This usually involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners that are holding it in place.
Once the cover is removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to confirm that they are the same. Following this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same way as the previous one.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that when this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will be able to assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle can start again.