Why is My car ignition locked [a knockout post]?

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 broken wafer inside. You can fix it by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times.

Another possibility is that the pins inside the lock cylinder are stuck. You can tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the vehicle is in Park neutral, Car Ignition locked or doesn't start when the key is switched on. This can be easily solved by moving the switch upwards or downwards to get the car in gear.

If the car is still unable to turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable or transmission shifter. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily solve these problems.

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

The lint in your pocket and the adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build over the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. To fix this issue try cleaning the key with a cloth or using a cleaner such as Triflow. You can also test a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the key.

When the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a small piece of hammer. This will create a slight vibration that may cause enough friction to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide into place. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or the key.

If all of the above options are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it may be time to replace the whole thing. If the issue is with the key the locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the problem then you'll have to bring the car to a repair shop for it to be repaired. Luckily, these problems are generally easy to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to stop turning. It can happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel and resting it against their body. It may also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they climb out of the car.

Fortunately it's a simple fix that doesn't require a trip 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 until it moves into one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column will reveal if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small "Lock label can be found in the lower portion the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it back with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the key, or break a wafer within the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the key is worn and is no longer able to engage the wafers inside the lock cylinder. A professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the new key still isn't engaging, a quick spray of penetrating oil can assist. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition, and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work, you'll likely need to see a specialist at your local auto dealer. They will be able to give you a new key, and will also replace the ignition cylinder, in the event that it is required.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key may be damaged if it does not turn in the ignition. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it can help.

It is possible that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. If you have an extra key to test, put it into the ignition and gently sliding it back out. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move as they should. If not, you can grease the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place when you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.

It could be that your key has become worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This can cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, preventing you from starting your vehicle. In this instance you'll need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.

If you can turn your car ignition lock on with a spare key and you have eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible that the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to unlock the lock by using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Do not 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 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 slides in and out when inserted. Most of the time, it gets covered in debris or is the result of 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 use a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch.

It is essential to ensure that your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. Many newer cars come with a system which locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or in park. This will stop the ignition key from being turned.

If you've done all of the above and still cannot get your key to turn it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct procedures.

Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove this, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then unscrew any fasteners that hold it in place.

After the cover has been removed, you will need to take the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. Then, you'll have to check the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to ensure that they're identical. After this you can then install the new ignition cylinder in exactly the same way as the previous one.

Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. It is suggested that if this happens, you call a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car will be able to start up again.