• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are several reasons why your car ignition may be locked. The key may be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. You can fix this by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder many 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 them.

Check the Battery

If the car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when you insert the key into the ignition, there could be an issue with the shifter switch on the transmission. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter up or down to put the car into the correct gear.

If it is still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. They can be fixed by a mechanic or a local locksmith for cars.

The ignition cylinder could 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 aid in solving this issue by allowing the wafers to slide into place.

The key can become clogged with lint from your pockets, as well as adhesive from tape that is used to secure packages. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. To fix this issue try cleaning the key using an old cloth or using a cleaner like Triflow. You should also make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition.

When the key is in the ignition, you can tap it using a an hammer that is small. This will create a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition and allow them to slide in place. Be careful not to harm either the ignition cylinder or key.

If none of the above work, you should contact a locksmith to test the issue. It could be that the key is damaged inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. A locksmith can make an alternate key in the event that the issue is the key. If the cylinder for the ignition is the issue then you'll have to take the car to a repair shop for it to be replaced. Fortunately, these issues are typically very simple to repair.

Check the steering wheel

A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. This occurs when the driver accidentally engages it as they exit or enter the vehicle. It is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while supporting themself against it with their hands. It can also happen when someone in the back seat is unable to stop it when they get out of the car.

This is a straightforward fix that doesn't require an appointment with a mechanic or locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is either in Park or neutral. If it's not, push or pull the shifter until it shifts into one of these positions. Also, you should activate the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, a quick examination of the steering column should determine if the key is in contact with the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the key with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force as this could damage the key or even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.

Another option is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key is worn out and no more able to engage 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 alternative key.

If the key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it might help. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and inserted keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work, you'll likely have to visit an expert at your local dealership for cars. They can provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn in the ignition lock repair services, it's possible that something is wrong with your key. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You should also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it can help.

If the pins inside the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test the spare key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after having put it in. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If not, you can lubricate the pins with graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key, and will prevent them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue with your key could be that it has become damaged or worn and is unable to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This may cause the ignition cylinder to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case, you will need to bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for service.

If you can turn your car with a spare key, and you have eliminated any issues with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder has been worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver or the handle of an hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will release it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing, you'll need to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place your key slides into and out of position when it is inserted. Most of the time, it gets covered in debris or as a result of regular 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 a small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to try to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be cautious not to overdo it or you may cause serious damage to the ignition switch.

Before you try this, make sure your car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. A lot of newer vehicles come with an electronic system that locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This could prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you've tried all of this but cannot get your key to turn it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder needs replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles will require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that are holding it in the position.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll need to remove the old ignition cylinder out of the steering column. It is then important to compare the new one that you purchased with the old one to make sure they are an identical match. Following this step is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder exactly the same way as the previous one.

Sometimes, despite our efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it's recommended to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to help you select the proper replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your car can be started again.