Why is My Car Ignition Locked?
There are a variety of reasons your ignition may be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a broken wafer in it. This can be corrected by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times.
Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen them.
Check the Battery
The shifter switch in the transmission could be malfunctioning when the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is switched on. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the car into the gear.
If the car still won't turn, the issue could be related to the neutral safety cable or the shifter on the transmission. These can be easily fixed by a mechanic or a local locksmith for cars.
The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. In time the ignition as well as the key may wear out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease can address this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into place.
The filth from your pockets and adhesive from tapes that hold packages together can build on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the keys with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to fix this problem. You could also test a spare key to determine if the issue is the ignition or the key.
You can also tap the key with a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This will cause a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition which will allow them to slide in place. You must be cautious not to scratch the ignition cylinder, or the key.
If all of the above options fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. The key could be damaged within the cylinder for ignition or it could be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can make an alternative key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the cylinder for the ignition is the cause, you will need to bring the car to a repair shop for it to be repaired. Fortunately, these issues are typically very simple to solve.
Check the Steering Wheel
A locked steering wheel can cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel while they exit or enter the vehicle. This is usually caused by yanking the wheel and holding it against their body. G28 Car Keys could also happen if a passenger in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle.
Luckily it's an easy fix and doesn't require a trip 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. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake before turning the key.
If the wheel isn't locked an inspection of the steering column will show whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually indicated by a small "Lock" label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it down with moderate force. It is important not to apply too much force as this could cause damage to the key or even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder.
A spare key can be used to unengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and is no longer able to engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to design a replacement key.
If the new key won't engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could assist. Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this doesn't help you, you might need to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They can provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder in case of need.
Check the Key
If you are unable to get your key to turn on the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong with your key. Try removing any foreign material from 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 helps.
If the pins inside the lock do not move in a proper manner when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test an extra key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after you put it in. This should let you feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, which they should. If you don't feel any movement, you can grease them with graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be squirted directly into 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 damaged or worn which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning and stop you from starting your vehicle. If this is the case you'll need take your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop for assistance.
If you are able to turn your car using a spare key, and you have eliminated any problems with the battery or steering wheel it could be because the ignition cylinder is been worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of a Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, a gentle tap on the cylinder will loosen it up and allow you to turn your car key. If this doesn't work then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place your key slides into and out of place when inserted. Most of the time, it gets covered in debris or is a result of regular wear and tear. You can squirt some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.
You can also use a small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset pins that are not aligned. Be very cautious not to overdo this, or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch.
Before you try this, ensure that your car's gearbox is either in park or neutral. A majority of modern cars have an electronic system that locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or in park. This can prevent the ignition key from being turned.
If you have tried these steps and your key doesn't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedure.
This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.
After removing the cover you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to compare the new one you purchased with the previous one to ensure that 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.
It is possible that, despite our best efforts, an ignition can be damaged and require to be replaced. It is recommended that when this happens, you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you choose the right replacement and install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle will begin again.