11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your Car Ignition Lock

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons your ignition might be stuck. The key could be dirty or have a broken wafer inside it. This can be fixed by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder a few times.

Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly with a small tack-hammer.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral or will not start when the key is switched on. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to put the car ignition replacement into gear.

If it's still not turning, the problem could be due to the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. They can be fixed by a mechanic or by a local automotive locksmith.

The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. In time, both the ignition and key may wear out making them difficult to remove or insert. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease could solve this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into place.

The filth from your pockets and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can also build on the key, which prevents it from being able to slide into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow, to solve this problem. You can also try a spare key in order to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key.

You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This will cause a small vibration that could cause enough vibration to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide in the right position. You should be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder, or the key.

If none of the suggestions above work, you should contact a locksmith to test it out. The key could be damaged within the cylinder for ignition or it could be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can create a replacement key if the problem is the key. If the ignition cylinder is the issue, you will need to take your car to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. These issues are generally simple to solve.

Check the Steering Wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. This happens if the driver accidentally engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. It is usually 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 accidentally engages it as they climb out of the car.

Luckily, this is an easy fix and does not require a trip to locksmiths or mechanics. First, check that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter gently until it shifts into one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake button or activate the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick examination of the steering column will reveal if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is usually marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling the key or pulling on it with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure, as it could damage the key or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

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

If the key does not engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it could help. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this does not work you, it's possible to seek out a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They can provide you with a new key and replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.

Check the Key

It could be that your key may be damaged if it doesn't engage in the ignition. You can try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint, adhesive from packing tape, etc). You may also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps.

If the pins inside the lock do not move properly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition after having insert it. You should be capable of hearing and feeling the pins moving within. If not, you could grease the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted into the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and also prevent them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem with your key may be that it has become damaged or worn out which makes it ineligible to connect the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This may cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car ignition lock. If this happens you'll need to take your vehicle to a locksmith ignition replacement cost or repair shop for assistance.

If you can turn your vehicle with a spare key, and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. Try to open the lock with an abrasive screwdriver or handle of the hammer. Do not use the head. A gentle tap on the cylinder will often free it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work it is necessary 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. Most of the time, it gets gunked up with debris or is due to wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

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

Before you attempt this, make sure that the car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. Many modern cars have a system that can lock the steering wheel when it is not in park or neutral that can stop the key from turning into the ignition.

If you've tried all of this and still can't get your key to turn, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is essential to follow the correct procedure.

Generally speaking, this involves removing the plastic cover that is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, 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 will need to take the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to check the new one you bought with the old one to make sure they are a perfect match. Once this is done the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition will become damaged and require replacement. It is suggested that if this happens you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help determine the correct replacement and then install it properly so that your car ignition switch replacement can start again.