Why is My car ignition locked (www.G28carkeys.co.uk)?
There are a variety of reasons your ignition in your car may be locked. 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.
Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer.
Check the Battery
If your car is in Park or neutral, but doesn’t come on when you insert the key into the ignition, it might be an issue with the shifter switch on the transmission. It is possible to fix the issue by moving the gear shifter up or down to get the car into the correct gear.
If it is still not turning, the problem could be related to the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or by a local automotive locksmith.
The ignition cylinder can also be worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key may wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant can solve this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into the place.
The key could get clogged with lint in your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to secure packages. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth, or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this issue. 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 could also tap the key with a small hammer, while it’s in the ignition. This will cause a small vibration, which may cause enough vibration to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and let them slide into place. You should be careful not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key.
If all of the above solutions are unsuccessful, it’s time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to have it examined. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can create an alternative key if the issue is the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, the car ignition replacement near me will need to be brought into a repair shop to have it repaired. These issues are usually simple to fix.
Check the steering wheel
A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to not turn. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle and is typically caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using their hands. It could also happen if someone in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they get out of the vehicle.
This is a straightforward solution that doesn’t require going to the locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is in Neutral or Park. If it’s not, push or pull the shifter gently until it changes into one of these positions. It’s also important to press the brake or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.
If the wheel isn’t locked, a quick inspection of the steering column will determine if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small “Lock label can be located in the lower area of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the key or pulling it back with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much force, as it could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.
A spare key can be used to unengage the lock. This may indicate that the original key has damaged and no capable of engaging the wafers inside the lock cylinder. If this is the case then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create a replacement key.
If the new key still does not engage, a short spray of penetrating oil could aid. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then jiggle or tap it lightly until it starts to engage. If this doesn’t help you, you might need to consult a specialist in your local car dealership. They can supply you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.
Check the Key
It is possible that your key is damaged if it does not engage in the ignition. Try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You can also try rubbing rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.
It’s 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, then gently sliding it back out. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move as they should. If not, you could grease the pins using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This will allow the pins slide into position when you insert the key and also prevent them from getting stuck.
It is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and isn’t able to connect with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your car. In this instance you’ll have to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.
If you are able to turn your car using an extra key, and you have eliminated any problems with the battery or steering wheel 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 the hammer. Don’t use the head. Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder can free it up and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does nothing will happen, you’ll have to get your lock cylinder changed by an expert mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is where your key can slide in and out when inserted. Most of the time, it gets covered in debris or as due to wear and wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition lock repair.
You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch.
It is essential to ensure that your car’s gearbox is set to park or neutral prior to attempting this. A lot of newer vehicles come with an option to lock the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or park. This can prevent the ignition key from turning.
If you’ve tried these steps but your key is still unable to turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.
Generally, this means removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this cover, you’ll need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then remove 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 need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to make sure that they are the same. After this, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same manner that you did with the old one.
Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it is advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and install it properly to ensure that your vehicle can be started again.
