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Why is My car ignition locked (www.annunciogratis.net)?
There are a variety of reasons your ignition could be stuck. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer in it. This can be fixed by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder a few times.
Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly with a small tack-hammer.
Check the Battery
If your car is in Park or neutral, but won't turn on when you insert the key into the ignition, it might be an issue with the transmission shifter switch. This can be easily fixed by moving the shifter upwards or downwards to get the car into gear.
If the car doesn't turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable or shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can fix these issues.
The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time both the ignition and key can become worn out making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock grease could solve this problem, allowing the wafers slide into place.
The key can become clogged with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape used to keep packages in place. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow, to solve this problem. Also, you can utilize a spare key in order to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition.
You can also tap the key using a small hammer while it's in the ignition. This can cause a small vibration that might be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition, allowing them to slide in place. You should be careful not to scratch the ignition cylinder or the key.
If all of the above options fail, it's probably time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. The key could be damaged inside the ignition cylinder or it could be time to replace it altogether. Locksmiths can make a replacement key if the problem is the key. If the problem is with the ignition cylinder, the car will need to be brought into a repair shop to get it replaced. These issues are usually simple to solve.
Check the steering wheel
A common issue that can hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. It can happen when a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel and holding it against their body. It could also happen when an individual in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle.
Luckily it's an easy fix that doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter until it shifts into one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.
If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will tell whether the key has been engaged with the lock. This is usually marked by a tiny "Lock" label in the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling it or pulling it down with moderate force. It is important to not apply too much pressure since this can damage the key or break a wafer in the lock cylinder.
A spare key can also be used to disengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has damaged and no longer able to engage the wafers in the lock cylinder. If this is the situation, a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to create an appropriate replacement key.
If the new key won't engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could assist. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to make sure it is working. If this doesn't work, you will probably need to visit an expert at your local auto dealer. They will be able to provide you with a new key, and will also replace the lost ignition key cylinder in the event that it is required.
Check the Key
If you are unable to get your key to turn the ignition, 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 could also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it helps.
If the pins within the lock aren't moving correctly when you insert your key, it's possible that they are stuck. You can test the spare key by gently pulling it out of the ignition after you put it in. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move as they should. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using graphite powder. You can purchase graphite in small tubes that can be put directly into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck.
It is possible that your key has worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the ignition cylinder to not turn, which will prevent you from starting your car. In this instance you'll have to take your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for service.
If you are able to turn your vehicle with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery, it could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the blunt end of a screwdriver, or the handle of the Hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder can free it up and allow you to turn the key of your car. If this doesn't work, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by a mechanic.
Check the Ignition Socket
The ignition socket is the place where your key is inserted and removed when you insert it. It could get blocked with debris, or simply wear and tear. You can inject some silicon lock lubricant into the ignition.
You can also use a small hammer to gently tap the interior of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins that may be out of alignment. Be very cautious not to overdo this or you could cause major 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. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral, which can prevent the key from being turned in the ignition.
If you've tried all of the above and still can't get your key to turn it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. It is important to remember that different vehicles require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.
This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest setting and then remove any fasteners that are holding it in place.
After removing the cover you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then necessary to compare the new one you bought with the original one to ensure that they are a perfect match. Once this is done, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.
It is possible that even with our best efforts, the ignition may become damaged and require to be replaced. It is recommended that when this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith will be able to help you select the proper replacement and install it properly to ensure that your car can be started again.