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This Week's Top Stories Concerning Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are several reasons why your car ignition may be locked. The key might be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. key ignition replacement can fix it 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 using a small tack hammer.

Check the Battery

The shifter switch on the transmission may 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 moving the gear shifter up or down to put the vehicle into gear.

If it's not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can fix these problems.

It is also possible that the ignition cylinder is worn out. Over time, the ignition as well as the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can aid in solving this issue by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into place.

The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key using a cloth, or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the issue is the key or ignition.

You could also tap the key with a small hammer, while it's in the ignition. This can cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide into position. You must be cautious not to scratch the ignition cylinder or key.

If all of the above solutions fail, it's probably time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith will be able to make a new one for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the issue, you will need to take the car to a repair shop for it to be replaced. These problems are usually easy to repair.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning. This happens if the driver is unable to engage it when they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themself against it using their hands. It may also happen when an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they get out of the car.

Luckily, this is an easy fix that doesn't require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the shifter is either in Park or neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or turn on the handbrake before you attempt to turn the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will tell whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower area of the ignition circle. It is easily removed by gently jiggling the key or pulling it down with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much force as it could damage the key or tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.


A spare key can also be used to deactivate the lock. This could indicate that the original key is damaged and no capable of engaging the wafers in the lock cylinder. A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key in the event that this is the case.

If the new key still does not engage, a short spray of penetrating oil could help. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the keyhole and ignition. Then, jiggle it or tap it lightly to activate it. If this doesn't work, you will likely have to visit an expert at your local auto dealer. They will be able to provide you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder if needed.

Check the Key

It is possible that your key is damaged if it doesn't 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 or Goo Gone on the key to see if this can help.

It is possible that the lock pins inside aren't working properly when you insert the key. You can test an extra key by gently pulling it out of the ignition after having put it in. This should allow you to feel and hear if the internal lock pins move, as they ought to. If not, you can apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can purchase graphite in small tubes which can be squirted into the keyhole. This will help the pins slide into place as you insert the key and stop them from getting stuck.

A more serious problem is that it has damaged or worn out and is unable to connect the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder in the ignition to stop turning and prevent you from starting your car. If this happens you'll need to bring your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop for service.

If you are able to turn your car with an extra key and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of the hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently can often release it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this doesn't work will happen, you'll have to get the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is where your key is inserted and slides out of position when it is inserted. Most of the time, it gets covered in debris or simply a result of regular wear and wear and tear. You can spray some silicon lock lubricant in the ignition.

You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the cylinder for ignition, 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 serious damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park prior to attempting this. A lot of newer vehicles come with an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or in park. This will stop the ignition key from turning.

If you have done all of this but not able to get your key to turn it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder requires replacement. Different vehicles have different methods for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is important to follow the correct procedures.

This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you will need to first adjust the tilt-wheel to the lowest position and then remove any fasteners that hold 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 check the new one you purchased with the original one to make sure they are an identical match. Once this step is complete the new ignition cylinder will be installed in the same way that the old one was removed.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition can become damaged and need to be replaced. If this happens, it is advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in selecting the right replacement and then install it correctly to ensure that your vehicle can start again.