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Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are many reasons your ignition may be stuck. The key could be dirty or has a broken wafer in it. You can fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times. The pins of the lock cylinder may also be stuck. You can tap the cylinder gently with a small tack-hammer. 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 switched on. You can fix this by shifting the gear shifter upwards or down to put the vehicle into the correct gear. If it's still not turning, the issue may be with the neutral safety switch or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily solve these problems. The ignition cylinder can also wear out. Over time, both the ignition and key can become worn out making them difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, like silicon lock lubricant, can help solve this problem by allowing the wafers slide into place. Lint from your pocket and adhesive from the tape that holds packages together can also build on the key, which prevents it from sliding into the ignition. To solve this problem you can try cleaning the key with an old cloth or using a cleaner like Triflow. You should also make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition. You can also try to tap the key with a small hammer when it's in the ignition. This can cause a slight vibration, which may be enough to loosen up the wafers inside the ignition and allow them to slide in the right position. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder, or the key. If all of the above options are unsuccessful, it's time to call a locksmith or automotive mechanic to have it examined. It could be that the key is broken inside the ignition or it could be the time to replace the entire thing. Locksmiths can make an alternative key in the event that the issue is with the key. If the issue is with the ignition cylinder, the car must be taken into a repair shop to get it replaced. These problems are usually easy to fix. Examine the Steering Wheel A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to not turn. It could happen if an individual driver is unintentionally engaged with the steering wheel as they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by pulling the wheel while holding it against their body. It could also happen if an individual in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle. Luckily it's a simple fix and does not require a trip to a mechanic or a locksmith. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or Neutral. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to 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, taking a look at the steering column will reveal if the key has been engaged with the lock. This is typically marked by a tiny “Lock” label on the lower portion of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to 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 make a new key if this is the case. If the key doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant, it might aid. Simply spray a tiny amount around the ignition, and inserted keyhole, then tap or jiggle it until it begins to work. If this does not work you, it's possible to speak with a specialist at your local dealership for cars. They'll be able to provide you with a replacement key, and will also replace the ignition cylinder, if necessary. Check the Key If you're unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong with your key. Try removing any foreign material from the key (lint and adhesive from packing tape, etc.). You could also try rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps. It is possible that the lock pins inside aren't moving correctly when you insert the key. If you have a spare key to test, you can try putting it in the ignition, then gently removing it. This should allow you to hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, as they should. If you don't feel any movement, you can grease them with graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be squirted into the keyhole. This will assist the pins slide into place as you insert the key and prevent them from getting stuck. A more serious problem with your key could be that it has become worn or damaged which makes it ineligible to engage the internal pins inside the ignition cylinder. This could cause the cylinder of ignition to not to turn, preventing you from starting your car. In this instance, you'll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or locksmith for assistance. If you're able to turn the car with an extra key and you've cleared the issue with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. Try to open the lock by using a blunt screwdriver or a handle of a small hammer. Do not use the head. Often, tapping gently on the cylinder can free it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing, you'll need to have your lock cylinder changed by a mechanic. Check the Ignition Socket The ignition socket is where your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. It could get blocked with debris, or just wear and wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move forward. You can also use a small hammer to gently tap the inside of the cylinder for ignition, to try to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo it as you could cause severe damage to the ignition switch. Before you try this, ensure that the gearbox of your car is set to neutral or park. ignition lock repair services come with an electronic system that locks the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or in park. This will stop the ignition key from being turned. If you've tried all of this but can't get your key to rotate it is most likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder is in need of replacement. Different vehicles have different methods of replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is essential to follow the correct steps. Generally, this involves removal of the plastic cover which is over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll have to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners that hold 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 check the new one that you have purchased with the original one to ensure that they are a perfect match. After this step, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the previous one. Sometimes, despite all of our efforts, the ignition will become damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it is advised to contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and install it properly to ensure that your vehicle can be started again.