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Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. One reason is that the key is dirty or has a damaged wafer inside. 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 have become stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to lightly tap on the cylinder to loosen the pins. Check the Battery The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. This can be fixed by moving the shifter up or down to get the car in the correct gear. If it's not turning, the problem could be related to the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can fix these issues. It is also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Over time both the ignition and key can become worn out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can address this issue, letting the wafers to slide into the proper position. Lint from your pocket and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can also build on the key, preventing it from being able to slide into the ignition. To solve this problem, you can try cleaning the key using a cloth or using a cleaner like Triflow. It is also recommended to use a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition or the ignition. You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer, while it's in the ignition. This will create a tiny vibration, which may be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide into the right position. You must be cautious not to harm either the ignition cylinder or the key. If none of the suggestions above works, you must contact a locksmith to test it out. The key might be broken in the cylinder of ignition, or it might be time to replace it altogether. Locksmiths can create an alternative key if the problem is with the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, your car must be taken to a repair shop in order to have it repaired. These issues are generally simple to fix. Check the steering wheel A common issue that can hinder the ignition from turning is a locked steering wheel. This happens if the driver is unable to engage it while exiting or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling on the wheel and securing themself against it using their hands. ignition system repair could also happen when someone in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle. Luckily, this is an easy fix and doesn't require a trip a mechanic or a locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is either in Neutral or Park. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key. If the wheel isn't locked, a quick examination of the steering column should reveal if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small “Lock” label in the lower part of the ignition circle. This can be easily disengaged by gently jiggling the lock or pulling it back with moderate force. It is essential not to apply too much pressure since this can damage the key, or damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder. A spare key can be used to deactivate the lock. This may indicate that the original key has damaged and no capable of engaging the wafers that make up 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 key still doesn't engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it might help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil around the ignition and keyhole. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to get it working. If this doesn't work you, it's possible to speak with a specialist at your local car dealership. They will be able to provide you with a replacement key, and will also replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary. Check the Key It is possible that your key may be damaged if it doesn't engage in the ignition. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids. If the pins within the lock do not move correctly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. If you have a spare key to test, you can put it in the ignition, then gently removing it. You should be able to hear and feel the pins moving inside. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you could lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key and also prevent them from becoming stuck. A more serious problem with your key could be that it has become damaged or worn which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins of the ignition cylinder. This can cause the ignition cylinder not to turn, and prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case you'll need bring your car to a locksmith or repair shop for assistance. If you are able to turn your car with a spare key, and you have eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery, it is possible 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 an Hammer (not the head). Often, tapping gently on the cylinder will loosen it to allow you to turn the key of your car. If this does not work, you will need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic. Check the Ignition Socket The ignition socket is the place where your key can slide in and out when inserted. It is often covered in debris or as a result of regular wear and tear. You can try squirting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward. You can also employ a small hammer and gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder, in an effort to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch. It is important to check that your car's gearbox is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A lot of newer cars come with an option to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral and prevent the key from being turned in the ignition. If you've tried all of this and still not able to get your key to rotate it is likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder. Therefore, it is important to follow the correct steps. Generally, this means removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that hold it in the position. After you have removed the cover, you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they're identical. Following this step is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder exactly the same way as the previous one. Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it's advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can assist you in selecting the right replacement and install it properly, so that your car will be able to start up again.