Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder several times.

The pins of the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly with 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, there could be a problem with the transmission shifter switch. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter up or downward to get the vehicle into gear.

If the car doesn't turn, the issue could be with the neutral safety cable, or the shifter in the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily fix these issues.

The ignition cylinder may also wear out. Over time, both the ignition and key can wear out and become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant like silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers to slide into place.

The key could get clogged with lint in your pockets and adhesive from tape used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue, you can try cleaning the keys with an old cloth or using a cleaner such as Triflow. It is also recommended to use a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the ignition.

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

If none of the suggestions above work, you should consult a locksmith for help in figuring it out. The key could be damaged within the cylinder for ignition, or it might be time to replace it altogether. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can create a new one for you. If the issue is with the ignition lock repair cylinder, the vehicle must be taken to a repair shop in order to get it replaced. Fortunately, these issues are generally easy to fix.

Check the Steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked may cause the van ignition repair to not turn. It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel while they exit or enter the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while being able to hold it against their body. It can also happen when someone in the back seat is unable to stop it when they exit the car.

Fortunately it's an easy fix that doesn't require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, ensure that the gear shift is either in Neutral or Park. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it shifts to one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or turn on the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick check of the steering column should reveal if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is typically marked by a tiny "Lock" label on the lower part of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure, as it could damage the key, or even break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

A spare key can be used to deactivate the lock. This could mean that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can make a new key if this is the case.

If the key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it could help. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this does not work, you'll likely have to visit an expert at your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it's 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 can help.

If the pins in the lock aren't moving correctly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. If you have an extra key to test, try putting it in the ignition and gently sliding it back out. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they ought to. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you could grease them with graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and keep them from becoming stuck.

It could be that your key has become worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder to stop to turn, preventing you from starting your car ignition locksmith. If this happens you'll need bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for repair.

If you can turn your vehicle with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver, or the handle of the Hammer (not the head). Gently tapping on the cylinder will often free it which allows you to turn your key and start your car. If this does not work, you will need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place where your key can slide in and out when it is inserted. It could get blocked with dust, or simply wear and 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 the small hammer and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo this, or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, make sure the car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. Many newer cars come with a system which locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This will stop the ignition key from turning.

If you've tried all of these steps and your key still won't turn, it is possible that the lost ignition key housing has to be replaced. It is important to note that different vehicles will require 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, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.

Once the cover is removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then important to check the new one you purchased with the old one to make sure they are an identical match. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an van ignition repair could be damaged and need to be replaced. It is suggested that if this happens, you contact an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you select the proper replacement and install it properly, so that your car will be able to start up again.