24 Hours To Improving Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are many reasons your mobile ignition lock repair services could be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside it. This can be corrected 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 employ a small tackhammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral but it doesn't turn on when the key is inserted into the ignition, there could be a problem with the transmission shifter switch. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter up or downward to get the car into gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable or the shifter in the transmission. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily solve these issues.

The ignition cylinder can also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant can aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers slide into place.

The key may become blocked with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to secure packages. This can prevent the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this problem. It is also recommended to make use of a spare key to determine if the issue is related to the key or the ignition.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer when it's in the ignition. This will create a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide into place. You should be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you need to contact a locksmith to test the issue. It could be that the key is damaged in the ignition, or it could be the time to replace the whole thing. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to create a new key for you. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the car is required to be brought to a repair shop in order to have it replaced. Luckily, these issues are typically very simple to solve.

Examine the Steering Wheel

A common issue that can hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually caused by yanking on the wheel while balancing themselves against it with their hands. It can also happen when an individual in the back seat is unable to stop it when they get out of the car.

Luckily, this is an easy fix that doesn't require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it shifts into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick look at the steering column will tell whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually marked by a tiny "Lock" label in 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 use too much pressure as this can damage the key, or even break a wafer in the lock cylinder.

Another option is to use a spare key to see whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key is worn out and no capable of engaging the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the situation the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an appropriate replacement key.

If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this doesn't work, you will likely need to see an expert at your local auto dealership. They will be able to give you a new key and replace the ignition cylinder if necessary.

Check the Key

If you are unable get your key to turn on the ignition, it is likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can clean 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 aids.

It is possible that the internal lock pins aren't working properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, try placing it in the ignition and gently pulling it out. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving within. If not, grease the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and stop them from becoming stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has become damaged or worn, making it unable to connect the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This could cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. If this happens, you will need to bring your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop for repair.

If you can turn your car with an extra key, and you have eliminated any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of a Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder can free it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does not work, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when you insert it. Often times, it gets gunked up with debris or as a result of regular wear and wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer and tap gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.

It is essential to ensure that your car's transmission is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. A lot of newer vehicles come with a system which locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This will stop the ignition key from turning.

If you've tried all of this and still cannot get your key to turn, it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves taking off the plastic cover that is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then loosen any fasteners that are holding it in place.

After removing the cover, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they are the same. Following this step is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the old one.

It is possible that, despite our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. If this happens, it is recommended to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly to ensure that your car can start again.