10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Car Ignition Lock

Why is My car ignition switch replacement Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your ignition could be stuck. The key could be dirty or may have a damaged wafer in it. You can fix it by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.

The pins of the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder gently with 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, there may be a problem with the transmission shifter switch. It is possible to fix the issue by moving the gear shifter upwards or down to get the car into the gear.

If it's not turning, the problem could be due to the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can fix these issues.

The ignition cylinder can also be 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 lubricant, could help solve this problem by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into the place.

The key can become clogged with lint in your pockets as well as adhesive from tape used to secure packages. 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 issue. It is also recommended to utilize a spare key in order to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition.

You could also tap the key using a small hammer when it's in the ignition. This will cause a small vibration, which may be enough to loosen the ignition's wafers and let them slide into place. But, be very careful not to harm the ignition key or cylinder.

If none of the above work, you need to call a locksmith to check the issue. It could be that the key has been damaged in the ignition, or it could be time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can make a replacement key if the issue is the key. If the ignition cylinder is the issue then you'll have to take the car to a repair shop for it to be replaced. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to fix.

Check the Steering Wheel

A simple problem that can prevent the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen when an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel when they exit or get into the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel while resting it against their body. It can also happen when someone in the back seat accidentally engages it as they climb out of the Car Ignition Lock.

Luckily it's a simple fix and doesn't require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or Neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter gently until it shifts into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column will determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label on the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the key or damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

A spare key can be used to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and no longer able engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith ignition replacement cost at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make a replacement key.

If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it could aid. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this doesn't help you, it's possible to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key is damaged if it will not turn on. 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.

It could be that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. You can test a spare key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after having put it in. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move as they ought to. If not, you could 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 also prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue is that it has worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder to stop to turn, and prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case, you will need to bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you can turn your vehicle with an extra key and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will loosen it and allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn't work it is necessary to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when you insert it. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward.

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

Before you do this, make sure that the car's gearbox is set to neutral or park. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from being turned.

If you've done all of this but not able to get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. It is important to know that different vehicles require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves removing the plastic cover that is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners 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'll need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they are the same. Following this step you can then install the new ignition cylinder in exactly the same way as the previous one.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition can become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended that you contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can help determine the correct replacement and then install it properly so that your car can start again.