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Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key may be dirty or has a broken wafer inside it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times. Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can make use of a small tack hammer to gently tap 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 will not start when the key is turned on. You can fix it by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to get the vehicle into the correct gear. If the car still won't turn, the problem could be with the neutral safety cable or the shifter on the transmission. A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems. The ignition cylinder could also be worn out. In time both the ignition and key may wear out, making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant can help solve this problem by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into place. The key can become clogged with lint in 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 you can try cleaning the key with a cloth or using a cleaner such as Triflow. Also, key ignition replacement can make use of a spare key to see if the problem is related to the key or the ignition. You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer, when it's in the ignition. This will cause a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide into place. However, you must be careful not to scratch the key or the ignition cylinder. If all of the above options fail, it's probably time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue. The key might be broken inside the ignition cylinder, or it might be time to replace it completely. If the problem is with the key the locksmith can create a new key for you. If the cylinder in the ignition is the cause then you'll need to take the vehicle to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. Luckily, these problems are typically very simple to fix. Check the steering wheel A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. This can happen if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themself against it using their hands. It can also happen if a passenger in the rear seat accidentally engages the brakes as they exit the vehicle. This is a quick fix that doesn't require going to the mechanic or locksmith. First, check that the gear shift is in either Park or Neutral. If it isn't, simply push or pull the shifter until it shifts into one of these positions. It's also important to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to attempting to turn the key. If the wheel is not locked, a quick check of the steering column will determine if the key is connected to the lock cylinder. This is usually indicated by a small “Lock” label in the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is important not to use too much force, as this could cause damage to the key or break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder. Another option is to use an alternate key to see whether it is able to unengage the lock. This could mean that the original key has worn out and is no more able to engage the wafers that make up 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 key does not engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it may help. Simply spray a tiny amount of oil around the ignition and keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to engage. If this isn't working, you'll probably need to visit an expert at your local dealership for cars. They can supply you with a new key and also replace the ignition cylinder in case of need. Check the Key If you're unable to get your key to turn in the ignition, it's possible that something is wrong with your key. You can try taking off any foreign material on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). You can also try rubbing the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it helps. It is possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test an extra key by gently pulling it out of the ignition once you have put it in. This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move, as they should. If not, you could lubricate the pins with powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and keep them from getting stuck. It could be that your key has become worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning and prevent you from starting your vehicle. If this is the case you'll need bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for service. If you can turn your car using a spare key and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. Try to open the lock with an abrasive screwdriver or handle of the hammer. Don't use the head. Tapping the cylinder gently will often free it and allow you to turn your key and start your car. If this does nothing then you'll need the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic. Check the Ignition Socket The ignition socket is the place your key is inserted and slides out of position when it is inserted. It could get blocked with debris, or just wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along. You can also use the small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it or you may cause severe damage to the ignition switch. It is crucial to confirm that your car's gearbox is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A majority of modern cars have a system which locks the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This can prevent the ignition key from being turned. If you've done all of this and still can't get your key to rotate, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. It is important to know that different vehicles will require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder. This typically involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, loosen any fasteners that are holding it in place. Once the cover has been removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. It is then essential to compare the new one that you bought with the original one to ensure that they're the same. Once this is done, the new ignition cylinder can be installed in the same manner that the previous one was removed. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the ignition will be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it is advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can assist you choose the right replacement and ensure it is installed correctly to ensure that your vehicle will begin again.